russia was able to exploit an Indian loophole in its arms exports through the BrahMos Aerospace Limited joint venture, which received a contract to supply Indonesia with a coastal missile system and BrahMos anti-ship missiles — the export variant of the P-800 Oniks.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense recently confirmed the deal but did not disclose the quantity, cost, or terms of the agreement. Janes has now obtained access to the procurement documentation.
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According to the agreement, Indonesia will purchase only one BrahMos battery worth $100 million. It will be financed by a foreign loan.
From Defense Express we would like to note that Indonesia's intention to purchase BrahMos became known in January 2025, when Jakarta submitted a request to potentially acquire several batteries worth a total of $450 million. At the same time, no explanation has been given for why only one battery was purchased, or why it was financed through a loan. Furthermore, it has not been announced who will provide the funds.
Such financing is usually provided by the exporting country. However, BrahMos Aerospace Limited is a joint russian-Indian venture, with India holding a 50.5% stake and russia holding 49.5%. This means that the loan could have been provided by Delhi, Moscow, or jointly by both countries.
In any case, russia is expected to benefit from the sale of even a single BrahMos battery to Indonesia. Despite India's claim that the missile now contains 75% Indian components, russia still retains the supply of key elements, as well as a corresponding share of the revenue.
The BrahMos missile, which has a take-off weight of 3,000 kg and a 300-kg warhead, has a declared export range of up to 300 km, which corresponds to the known range of the original Oniks. The missile is supersonic, which makes it difficult to intercept.
From the Defense Express side, we urges you to join a fundraising for what is already working: One United Fundraiser: Fundraising by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation for interceptor drones.
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