What will Indonesia do by purchasing BrahMos and Astra missiles from India?

A possible defense deal between India and Indonesia is in the news amidst the increasing competition between America and China, increasing tension in the South China Sea and the changing strategic picture of the Indo-Pacific region. It is reported that Indonesia is preparing to buy BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra air-to-air missile from India. At first glance it may seem like just the purchase of arms, but behind it lies Indonesia’s many years old defense strategy. Indonesia is the world’s largest island country. It has more than 17 thousand islands and its maritime boundary extends for thousands of kilometers.

Indonesia also has the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, through which millions of dollars of worldwide trade passes every year. In such a situation, security of the sea is not only a military but also an economic necessity. This is the reason why he is continuously emphasizing on equipping his navy and air force with modern weapons. Indonesia’s Defense White Paper clearly states that the country’s biggest priority is to protect its land, maritime borders, islands and natural resources.

There is concern about China’s activities

Indonesia’s foreign policy is based on the principle of ‘millions of friends, no enemies’. Therefore he does not officially consider any country as his enemy. At the same time, China’s increasing activities in the South China Sea are also increasing its concern. Indonesia does not consider any country its official enemy, but its Natuna Islands are near territory claimed by China. In the last few years, Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels several times came close to Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), after which Indonesia had to send its navy. This is the reason why it wants such missiles which can stop enemy ships from a distance in the sea and strengthen fighter planes in the sky. In such a situation, BrahMos and weapons are not just weapons for it, but a means of maintaining maritime security and strategic balance.

• Indonesia preparing to buy BrahMos and Astra missiles from India.
• The biggest need is to protect more than 17 thousand islands and the vast maritime border.
• The Strait of Malacca and Natuna Island are very important strategically.
• Focus on increasing military capability amid increasing tension in the South China Sea.
• India-Indonesia defense partnership will get a new dimension.

Why does the security challenge increase?

Indonesia is a country with about 17 thousand islands. Its maritime boundary is so large that it is not easy to monitor it. The security of oil and gas reserves, maritime trade and the movement of thousands of ships is a big responsibility for it. Therefore, Navy and Air Force have been given utmost importance in its defense policy. A missile like BrahMos can target enemy warships in the sea from a long distance, while the Astra missile gives the ability to counter enemy fighter planes in the air.

Why is the Strait of Malacca important?

The Strait of Malacca is counted among the busiest maritime trade routes in the world. Thousands of ships carrying oil and goods to many countries of Asia pass through this route. If any kind of military tension arises here, then the supply chain of the entire world can be affected. Indonesia wants its military presence in the region to be strong and can protect its sea routes if needed.

Why increased concern from China?

There is no war between Indonesia and China, but China’s claims in the South China Sea and its activities around Natuna Island have raised concerns in Jakarta. Last year, Indonesia had alleged that the Chinese coast guard was obstructing oil and gas survey in its maritime zone. After this, Indonesia sent its coast guard ships and removed them. Such developments show that Indonesia wants to increase its military strength to face any pressure in the future.

What will be the benefit to India?

If this deal is completed, India’s defense exports will get a big boost. After Philippines, Indonesia can also become a major partner in purchasing modern missiles of India. This will provide a new market to India’s defense industry and will also strengthen India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreements signed between the two countries are being considered as the beginning of a new phase in India-Indonesia relations.

India-Indonesia agreements

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia, about 20 important agreements were signed between the two countries in many areas including defence, maritime security, trade, technology, education and important minerals. The most discussed issue was India’s supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra air-to-air missile. These agreements will strengthen the defense partnership between the two countries and promote maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Apart from this, agreement was also reached on development of Sabang Port, cooperation with Coast Guard, digital connectivity and strengthening the supply chain.