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...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
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.
L3Harris Technologies has received a US$90 million follow-on, sole-source contract from U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to further advance…
In an unprecedented decision, the Israeli government has approved the establishment of a new subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Combat Systems…
The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to equip 12 CH-53K…
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram has been appointed as the new Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD)…
The Australian Government has signed a $200 million agreement with the United States to acquire additional MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes…
SpearUAV has completed a funding round led by Deep Insight venture fund, with participation from existing and new private investors.…
Qantas Freight has partnered with CargoAi to expand its digital distribution, allowing freight forwarders to book capacity on selected Qantas…
Korean business aviation operator K-Aviation has received the country's first corporate ACH160 helicopter. The aircraft will be added to its…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organisation Approval from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority,…
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has placed an order for 18 Boeing 737-8 and 12 Boeing 737-10 aircraft to modernise Malaysia…
Liebherr and SkyWest Airlines have signed an agreement for the overhaul of landing gear systems on SkyWest’s fleet of Embraer…
EDGE Group entities POWERTECH and ADASI have agreed on the first order for POWERTECH’s P145i combustion engine. The engine, designed…
Safran Electronics & Defense has secured a contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to supply Multi-Mission Parachutes to…
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd has been assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in improving their strategic communications capabilities,…
Sky Power International has supplied propulsion units for the Nimkii 42-S (N42-S), an unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by Canadian…
Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with telecom infrastructure company TDF to collaborate on…
Embraer will participate in the Avalon Airshow in Australia from 25 to 30 March 2025, highlighting its role in the…
AAR CORP. has announced the appointment of Hema Widhani to its Board of Directors, effective 18 March 2025. Her election…
Teledyne FLIR OEM, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has announced the release of Prism SKR, an embedded software designed…
SITA and Orange Business have renewed their long-standing partnership for another five years, continuing a collaboration that began in 2001.…
ZeroAvia has appointed former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official Billy Nolen as a Senior Strategy and Regulatory Advisor. In this…
Altair and JetZero have partnered to advance the development of a commercial blended wing aircraft. JetZero aims to reduce fuel…
The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), part of the Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) within the Ministry of…
EDGE and CMN NAVAL have agreed to form a new joint venture, AD NAVAL (ADN), based in Abu Dhabi, to…
Embraer has successfully completed the initial structural fatigue tests of the wing that will be used in its New Technologies…
Israel's ministry of defence has issued a tender for 6,000 first person view (FPV) drones in recognitiion of the Israeli…
Israeli company InfiniDome has developed small, light modules that protect critical systems from GPS jammimg. According to the company its…
The Israeli Airforce (IAF) has developed a system that enables its F-35s to carry JDAM bombs on its wings. Lockheed…
The US State Department is offering up to $15 million for information that could disrupt financial networks supporting the drone-production…
HENSOLDT has entered into a partnership with TUM Venture Labs, an initiative led by the Technical University of Munich and…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.