Navy awaits Defence Minister's decision on BrahMos missile deployment

The Indonesian Navy is still awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Defence regarding the use of BrahMos missiles, a spokesperson said on Monday. “This cooperation with Indonesia is still being handled by the Ministry of Defence,” said First Admiral Tunggul, Head of the Navy Information Service, during a press conference at Navy Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta. Tunggul could not yet elaborate on the Navy’s plans for deploying the missile, which is considered suitable for coastal defence. Nevertheless, he welcomed the cooperation agreement between India and Indonesia on BrahMos missile development. He expressed confidence that this cooperation would further strengthen Indonesia’s defence. At the same occasion, a procurement cooperation agreement for air-to-air missiles between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Republikorp was also announced. Both documents are part of 16 cooperation agreements unveiled during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Indonesia. Indonesia has been eyeing the acquisition of BrahMos missiles for several years. Days before PM Modi’s visit, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty stated that discussions on BrahMos procurement cooperation had reached a very advanced stage and were expected to be concluded soon.