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New Delhi. BrahMos cruise missile, one of the deadliest weapons in South Asia, had caused a lot of destruction in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. In May, the Indian Air Force attacked Pakistani airbase using this supersonic missile, which destroyed the enemy’s air capability. Now Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim majority country, has decided to buy this missile. With this deal worth about $450 million, Indonesia will not only strengthen its navy but will also be able to counter China’s aggression in the South China Sea. This deal is going to take India’s defense export potential to new heights.

All processes have been completed
According to a report, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal between India and Indonesia may be signed soon. Defense sources said that almost all the negotiation processes have been completed and now only the final approval from the Russian side is awaited, after which the contract can be signed. This deal has been under discussion between India and Indonesia for a long time. The issue was discussed in detail during the visit of Indonesia’s top political and military leadership to New Delhi in January this year.

India has already sold BrahMos missiles to the Philippines and is now exploring new markets for this unique weapon system. This missile system has proven itself on the battlefield, especially during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan in the month of May.

According to defense sources, recently India’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited Indonesia. His visit is being considered a symbol of increasing defense cooperation between India and Indonesia. Earlier, the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India in January had also given a new direction to the defense relations between the two countries.

India had signed a BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines a few years ago worth about Rs 3,500 crore. India has delivered not only the missiles but also the necessary launching and support systems. The deal attracted considerable international attention, as it was considered an important step by the Philippines to protect its territorial interests.

Birth of BrahMos: Miracle of India-Russia partnership
BrahMos takes its name from the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moscow River of Russia. The missile has been developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The objective of this project, which started in 1998, was to create a supersonic cruise missile that could destroy enemy ships and land targets in a few seconds. This weapon, based on Russia’s P-800 Onyx missile, has been inducted into the Indian Army since 2005.

The specialty of BrahMos is that it can be launched from land, sea, air and submarine. Its weight is 3,000 kg (ship/ground version), length is 8.2 m and diameter is 0.67 m. It carries a 300 kg high-explosive warhead, which can pierce enemy armour. Biggest strength? Its ‘Fire and Forget’ technology – once launched, it automatically reaches the target, without any additional guidance.

Defense experts say that if this agreement with Indonesia is signed, it will strengthen India’s defense partnership in South-East Asia and open new export doors for the indigenous BrahMos Aerospace Company. BrahMos missile has been developed by a joint venture between India and Russia. It is a supersonic speed, extremely accurate missile, which can be launched from land, sea and air. If the deal takes final shape, it will not only be a major success for India’s defense diplomacy but will also help the indigenous defense industry gain a new global footing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Devastation in Pakistan: Operation Sindoor’s ‘fire and forget’ attack
The real power of BrahMos was shown when India-Pakistan tension reached its peak in May 2025. In ‘Operation Sindoor’ which started on May 10, the Indian Air Force fired several BrahMos missiles at the Pakistani airbase. Some of these directly hit Bholari airbase, where an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft was destroyed. Retired Pakistani Air Marshal himself admitted that four BrahMos missiles blew up his hangar.

This operation was a response to Pakistan’s terrorist attacks. BrahMos not only destroyed the airbase but also dodged Pakistani radar systems (like Chinese HQ-9). According to sources, around 15 BrahMos knocked out Pakistani air launch capability, forcing them to plan a counter-attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed this while giving a speech in Kanpur on 30 May 2025.

Indonesia’s military modernization journey: New strength from BrahMos
Indonesia is the world’s largest island nation and the largest Muslim country by population. He is moving rapidly towards strengthening his navy. China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea, particularly its claims over the Natuna Islands, has worried Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto, a former defense minister, has prioritized military modernization. Indonesia strengthened its strategic position by joining BRICS in 2025.

BrahMos purchase is its link. Talks intensified during Prabowo’s visit to India in January 2025 (where he was the chief guest at the Republic Day). Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali visited BrahMos headquarters. The deal includes shore-based and ship-mounted versions that will be able to target Chinese ships from a 290 km range in the Natuna Sea. India assured to be free from CAATSA (US sanctions on arms purchases from Russia) as the main parts of BrahMos are made in India.