Indonesia has become the latest country to purchase India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, strengthening New Delhi’s defence export drive. The deal was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Jakarta visit, though details of cost and missile numbers remain undisclosed. Indonesia now joins the Philippines, which signed in 2022, and Vietnam, whose agreement is nearing completion.
Several other nations including South Africa, Thailand, Chile, Brazil and the UAE have shown interest in the missile. BrahMos gained global attention after its precision strikes during Operation Sindoor against Pakistani airbases. India is also in talks with Russia to expand production capacity to meet rising demand.
Developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, BrahMos is designed on a “fire and forget” principle. It can be launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air platforms. With speeds reaching Mach 2.8, the missile carries conventional warheads and is effective against both land and maritime targets. Its low-altitude flight profile and accuracy make interception extremely difficult.
The growing list of buyers highlights India’s emergence as a serious player in the global defence market. Rising interest reflects both the missile’s proven capabilities and India’s expanding strategic influence in Asia and beyond.
