India, Russia, and Indonesia Confirm BrahMos Missile Deal Pricing
India, Russia, and Indonesia have agreed on pricing for a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, with negotiations ongoing for over seven years. Formal procedures and financial arrangements remain to be completed. This deal will make Indonesia the second international customer for BrahMos, following the Philippines. Indonesia has emphasized the need for technology transfer amid disruptions from recent geopolitical events.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have finalized pricing for a deal to supply BrahMos cruise missiles to the Indonesian military, ahead of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi. The negotiations for this supply, which have been ongoing for over seven years, have reached an agreement estimated at $450 million. Importantly, Rosoboronexport, the Russian governmental body for weapon exports, has been an integral part of the discussions, as all BrahMos deals require Russian approval.
The Indian government is expected to announce Prabowo’s official visit for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. There is potential for further announcements regarding the BrahMos missile agreement during this visit. However, several formal procedures still need to be completed, and financial arrangements for the contract remain in progress, suggesting that finalization may take several months.
Upon completion of the deal, Indonesia will become the second international client for the BrahMos missile, joining the Philippines, which previously contracted for $375 million to acquire three missile batteries. This development supports India’s aspirations to boost its defense exports abroad. Indonesia has emphasized the need for technology transfer related to the missile to ensure a consistent supply of components and spare parts.
The COVID-19 pandemic notably disrupted the negotiation process regarding the proposed deal. In 2018, a BrahMos Aerospace team evaluated missile installation on Indonesian naval vessels. In addition to BrahMos missiles, India has proposed selling coastal defense radars and providing servicing for the Indonesian Air Force’s Russian-made Su-30 fighter jets.
Under former President Joko Widodo, Indonesia enhanced naval cooperation with India, emphasizing joint exercises and the strategic importance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean. With Prabowo as the current leader, further military and maritime collaboration with India is expected to continue.
The BrahMos missile is a product of a joint venture between India and Russia, designed to be a versatile and highly capable weapon system. The prolonged negotiations between India and Indonesia stem from the complexities of international defense trade, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts such as the war in Ukraine impacting supply chains. Indonesia’s strategic interest in enhancing its defense capabilities has led to calls for technology transfers to facilitate autonomy in maintaining purchased equipment. The focus on maritime cooperation highlights the increasing importance of security within the Indian Ocean region.
In summary, India’s agreement with Russia and Indonesia on the BrahMos missile pricing marks a significant step in enhancing defense relations. As the negotiations advance towards finalization, the potential for strategic military cooperation in the Indian Ocean region is set to grow. The deal exemplifies India’s efforts to expand its defense export capabilities, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening international defense partnerships.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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