Indonesia Strengthens Coastal Defence, Ministry of Defence Confirms Brahmos Missile Procurement

According to Indonesian Defence Ministry officials, the purchase of Brahmos missiles is part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation with India. The presence of Brahmos missiles for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) will enhance deterrence in safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.

“This cooperation is also part of strengthening the Indonesia–India strategic partnership in the defence sector as well as enhancing deterrence capabilities in safeguarding territorial sovereignty,” said the Defence Ministry representative.

The revelation came from the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr., who disclosed that Indonesia had purchased Brahmos supersonic missiles from India whilst expressing the Philippines’ willingness to engage in more military business with India.

The Philippines was the first country in Southeast Asia to acquire the Brahmos missile system in 2022 under a contract worth 375 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately Rp 6.35 trillion. “The Philippines was the first country (in Southeast Asia) to buy the Brahmos missile system. Now Indonesia has bought the same system,” Brawner told Asian News International (ANI) in New Delhi.

“I can say that we are happy with our purchase, and hopefully we can do more business with India,” Brawner added.

Although the Philippines’ Commander of Armed Forces stated that Indonesia had signed a deal for the Brahmos missiles, the Indian government has not officially announced the procurement.