Indonesia agreement nears completion as defence exports gain momentum
New Delhi: India has signed a deal to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam, while a similar agreement with Indonesia is in the final stages, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.
Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Singh said the Vietnam deal had already been concluded, though not publicly announced. “My understanding is that with both Indonesia and with Vietnam, the deal is in the final stages, that in fact, for Vietnam, I understand that it has already been signed, probably not publicly announced, but it's already been signed,” he said.
The Philippines remains the first foreign buyer of the BrahMos missile system, having signed a contract worth nearly $375 million in 2022. India delivered the first batch of missiles to the country in April 2024.
Indonesia has also moved ahead with procurement, with its defence ministry earlier confirming an agreement with India for the missile system.
BrahMos, produced by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited — a joint venture between India and Russia — can be launched from land, sea and air platforms and travels at nearly three times the speed of sound.
Singh said India’s defence exports are targeted to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30, with missile systems among key offerings.
Referring to defence cooperation, he said advanced technologies are shared with trusted partners and emphasised India’s commitment to ASEAN nations. “Obviously you share technology with people you trust,” he said.
He added that India is positioning itself as a defence manufacturing and maintenance hub, backed by reforms to expand private sector participation, strengthen indigenous production and build resilient supply chains.
