India's growing defence export capabilities present opportunities for Indonesia, which is modernising its military and strengthening its defence capabilities. With New Delhi's increasing focus on exporting high-value defence equipment, several Indian-made systems could align with Jakarta's needs. While certain India-made big-ticket platforms such as fighter jets, helicopters, tanks, assault rifles, and warships may not be of interest to the Indonesian Armed Forces, India can still offer Indonesia another range of land-based and aerial weapon systems, missile platforms, and defence electronics.
One of India’s most significant defence exports is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed with Russia. The missile has already been acquired by the Philippines, while Vietnam is also expected to follow. Indonesia has long sought a land-based anti-ship missile system, previously considering Ukraine's Neptune missile. However, this plan had to be shelved due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which severely impacted Ukraine’s defence production and exports.
While discussions have taken place regarding the acquisition of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) land-based launchers, it is all but certain now that Indonesia will place an order for BrahMos. A key factor in this decision is the Indonesian Navy’s prior experience with the P-800 Oniks (Yakhont) missile, on which BrahMos is based. This familiarity, combined with the missile’s high speed, precision, and proven effectiveness, makes it a compelling choice for Indonesia’s coastal defence. Moreover, with the Philippines already acquiring BrahMos and Vietnam likely to follow, Indonesia’s interest aligns with a broader regional trend of strengthening maritime security with the supersonic cruise missile.
Beyond its land-based deployment, BrahMos could also play a role in the Indonesian Air Force. India manufactures an air-launched variant of BrahMos, already integrated into its Su-30MKI fighter jets. Given Indonesia’s Su-30 fleet, India could offer a maintenance and upgrade package enabling these aircraft to carry and launch the air-launched BrahMos. This upgrade would significantly enhance Indonesia’s maritime strike capabilities, allowing its air force to conduct long-range, high-precision attacks against naval threats.
The Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is another viable option for Indonesia. Already exported to Armenia, this medium-range air defence system offers a reliable solution for securing key strategic locations across Indonesia’s vast maritime and archipelagic territory. However, India will face strong competition in this segment from Turkiye, France, and Russia, among others, all of whom offer alternative SAM systems that Indonesia may also consider.
India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, which has been exported to Armenia, could also serve Indonesia’s ground forces by providing effective long-range fire support. However, competition in this category remains strong, as other countries also manufacture advanced rocket artillery systems that could rival the Pinaka in performance and cost-effectiveness. Alongside Pinaka, India's Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and other 155mm artillery systems offer a modern artillery solution for the Indonesian Army.
Indonesia could also benefit from India's expertise in radars and surveillance systems. The Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), for example, has been exported to Armenia and is designed to track enemy artillery and missile launches, enhancing counter-battery operations. Additionally, coastal surveillance radars, high-frequency radios, and integrated air defence systems from India can improve Indonesia’s early warning capabilities.
India has been supplying ammunition of various calibers to several countries, including 5.56mm to 155mm rounds. Indonesia, which has been diversifying its sources of military supplies, could consider Indian-made ammunition to supplement its existing stocks. Personal protective gear, such as bullet-proof jackets and helmets, which India exports to multiple countries, could also be of interest to Indonesian forces.
India’s growing expertise in defence electronics and software solutions could also contribute to Indonesia’s defence sector. With global defence firms sourcing avionics, communication systems, and electronic warfare suites from India, Indonesia could explore partnerships in these areas. Indian companies have developed advanced radar systems, electronic countermeasure suites, and secure communication networks that have been integrated into various military platforms.
Additionally, India has made progress in manufacturing high-quality night vision devices, thermal imaging systems, and drone surveillance technology, which could enhance Indonesia’s situational awareness and operational capabilities. Indian firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and private-sector players have experience in supplying mission-critical electronics to various armed forces, making them potential partners for Indonesia’s modernisation efforts.
Cybersecurity and defence software are other areas where India has a strong foundation, given its established IT industry. Indonesian defence institutions could collaborate with Indian firms to develop secure networks, command-and-control systems, and artificial intelligence-driven defence applications. This could be particularly relevant as Indonesia seeks to enhance its cyber defence and electronic warfare capabilities in an increasingly digital battlespace.
India and Indonesia share common security concerns, particularly in the maritime domain. Strengthening defence ties through arms sales, joint production, and technology transfers could enhance bilateral relations. Given India's willingness to establish inter-governmental agreements for co-production and co-development, Indonesia could leverage this opportunity to develop indigenous defence capabilities with Indian collaboration.
India’s expanding defence industry offers Indonesia a variety of systems suited to its needs, including BrahMos missiles, Akash air defence systems, Pinaka rocket launchers, advanced artillery, radars, surveillance equipment, and ammunition. However, competition remains a key factor, particularly for systems like Akash and Pinaka, which face rivals from Turkiye, France, Russia, and other countries. To strengthen its position as a reliable defence partner for Indonesia, India must improve quality control in production, ensure the availability of critical spare parts, and actively involve Indonesian companies in offset agreements, joint development, and production collaborations.
India\'s growing defence export capabilities present opportunities for Indonesia, which is modernising its military and strengthening its defence capabilities. With New Delhi\'s increasing focus on exporting high-value defence equipment, several Indian-made systems could align with Jakarta\'s needs. While certain India-made big-ticket platforms such as fighter jets, helicopters, tanks, assault rifles, and warships may not be of interest to the Indonesian Armed Forces, India can still offer Indonesia another range of land-based and aerial weapon systems, missile platforms, and defence electronics.
One of India’s most significant defence exports is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed with Russia. The missile has already been acquired by the Philippines, while Vietnam is also expected to follow. Indonesia has long sought a land-based anti-ship missile system, previously considering Ukraine\'s Neptune missile. However, this plan had to be shelved due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which severely impacted Ukraine’s defence production and exports.
While discussions have taken place regarding the acquisition of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) land-based launchers, it is all but certain now that Indonesia will place an order for BrahMos. A key factor in this decision is the Indonesian Navy’s prior experience with the P-800 Oniks (Yakhont) missile, on which BrahMos is based. This familiarity, combined with the missile’s high speed, precision, and proven effectiveness, makes it a compelling choice for Indonesia’s coastal defence. Moreover, with the Philippines already acquiring BrahMos and Vietnam likely to follow, Indonesia’s interest aligns with a broader regional trend of strengthening maritime security with the supersonic cruise missile.
Beyond its land-based deployment, BrahMos could also play a role in the Indonesian Air Force. India manufactures an air-launched variant of BrahMos, already integrated into its Su-30MKI fighter jets. Given Indonesia’s Su-30 fleet, India could offer a maintenance and upgrade package enabling these aircraft to carry and launch the air-launched BrahMos. This upgrade would significantly enhance Indonesia’s maritime strike capabilities, allowing its air force to conduct long-range, high-precision attacks against naval threats.
The Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is another viable option for Indonesia. Already exported to Armenia, this medium-range air defence system offers a reliable solution for securing key strategic locations across Indonesia’s vast maritime and archipelagic territory. However, India will face strong competition in this segment from Turkiye, France, and Russia, among others, all of whom offer alternative SAM systems that Indonesia may also consider.
India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, which has been exported to Armenia, could also serve Indonesia’s ground forces by providing effective long-range fire support. However, competition in this category remains strong, as other countries also manufacture advanced rocket artillery systems that could rival the Pinaka in performance and cost-effectiveness. Alongside Pinaka, India\'s Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and other 155mm artillery systems offer a modern artillery solution for the Indonesian Army.
Indonesia could also benefit from India\'s expertise in radars and surveillance systems. The Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), for example, has been exported to Armenia and is designed to track enemy artillery and missile launches, enhancing counter-battery operations. Additionally, coastal surveillance radars, high-frequency radios, and integrated air defence systems from India can improve Indonesia’s early warning capabilities.
India has been supplying ammunition of various calibers to several countries, including 5.56mm to 155mm rounds. Indonesia, which has been diversifying its sources of military supplies, could consider Indian-made ammunition to supplement its existing stocks. Personal protective gear, such as bullet-proof jackets and helmets, which India exports to multiple countries, could also be of interest to Indonesian forces.
India’s growing expertise in defence electronics and software solutions could also contribute to Indonesia’s defence sector. With global defence firms sourcing avionics, communication systems, and electronic warfare suites from India, Indonesia could explore partnerships in these areas. Indian companies have developed advanced radar systems, electronic countermeasure suites, and secure communication networks that have been integrated into various military platforms.
Additionally, India has made progress in manufacturing high-quality night vision devices, thermal imaging systems, and drone surveillance technology, which could enhance Indonesia’s situational awareness and operational capabilities. Indian firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and private-sector players have experience in supplying mission-critical electronics to various armed forces, making them potential partners for Indonesia’s modernisation efforts.
Cybersecurity and defence software are other areas where India has a strong foundation, given its established IT industry. Indonesian defence institutions could collaborate with Indian firms to develop secure networks, command-and-control systems, and artificial intelligence-driven defence applications. This could be particularly relevant as Indonesia seeks to enhance its cyber defence and electronic warfare capabilities in an increasingly digital battlespace.
India and Indonesia share common security concerns, particularly in the maritime domain. Strengthening defence ties through arms sales, joint production, and technology transfers could enhance bilateral relations. Given India\'s willingness to establish inter-governmental agreements for co-production and co-development, Indonesia could leverage this opportunity to develop indigenous defence capabilities with Indian collaboration.
India’s expanding defence industry offers Indonesia a variety of systems suited to its needs, including BrahMos missiles, Akash air defence systems, Pinaka rocket launchers, advanced artillery, radars, surveillance equipment, and ammunition. However, competition remains a key factor, particularly for systems like Akash and Pinaka, which face rivals from Turkiye, France, Russia, and other countries. To strengthen its position as a reliable defence partner for Indonesia, India must improve quality control in production, ensure the availability of critical spare parts, and actively involve Indonesian companies in offset agreements, joint development, and production collaborations.
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