REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Government of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Defence (MoD/Kemenhan), did not deny reports about the purchase of Brahmos missiles. Spokesperson for the Indonesian MoD, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained that Indonesia is indeed cooperating with India to procure the missiles developed by the joint venture company BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), Russia.
"Indonesia is indeed cooperating with India in the procurement of the Brahmos missile system as part of efforts to modernize the main defense equipment, particularly to strengthen coastal defence capabilities," Rico told Republika in Jakarta on Monday (March 9, 2026).
According to him, the purchase of the Brahmos missiles is also part of efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with India. In addition, Rico said, 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 defense sector as well as enhancing deterrence capabilities in safeguarding territorial sovereignty," Rico said.
Previously, the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr., revealed that Indonesia had also purchased Brahmos supersonic missiles from India. He made the statement while 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, or around Rp 6.35 trillion. In the interview, Brawner said, "The Philippines was the first country (in Southeast Asia) to buy the Brahmos missile system. Now Indonesia has bought the same system,” he told Asian News International (ANI) in New Delhi over the weekend.
"I can say that we are happy with our purchase, and hopefully we can do more business with India," Brawner added. Although Brawner stated that Indonesia had signed a deal for the Brahmos missiles, the Indian government has not officially announced it.
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