Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Indonesia has resulted in a major boost to bilateral relations, with the two countries signing more than eight agreements covering defence, technology, healthcare, education, maritime cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
Bharat & Indonesia Sign BrahMos And Astra Missiles Deal
The most significant outcome of the visit was the signing of the BrahMos missile agreement, making Indonesia one of India’s important defence partners in Southeast Asia. The deal supports India’s efforts to strengthen regional security and expand its defence cooperation under the Act East Policy.
India also agreed to supply the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) to Indonesia through a new arrangement involving Bharat Dynamics Limited. The agreement is expected to improve defence interoperability and enhance the operational capabilities of both nations.
Apart from defence, both countries concluded a framework agreement on maritime safety and security to promote secure sea lanes and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit forms part of Prime Minister Modi’s multi-nation tour, including Australia and New Zealand, in line with India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Astra Missile
- Indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by DRDO.
- Designed to destroy enemy aircraft before they enter visual combat range.
- Equipped with an active radar seeker for terminal guidance.
- Integrated with the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft and being inducted on the HAL Tejas.
BrahMos Missile
- World’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile.
- Jointly developed by India and Russia.
- Can be launched from land, sea, submarine, and air platforms.
- Flies at low altitude to avoid enemy radar detection.
- Inducted into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Under the proposed arrangement, Bharat Dynamics Limited which manufactures the Astra missile, will integrate the weapon system with the Indonesian Air Force’s Su-30 fighters. The Astra Mk-1 is already in operational service with the Indian Air Force and is powered by a solid rocket motor, offering an engagement range of approximately 80-110 kilometres.
The Astra Mk-2, a longer-range variant of the indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, is in the final phase of development and flight trials. The missile has already received clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), paving the way for its eventual induction into service following the successful completion of trials.
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, has a range of over 290 kilometres and travels at speeds of up to Mach 2.8.
