New Delhi (TIP): India and Indonesia are expected to discuss the possible sale of additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to Indonesia beginning July 6, with Jakarta reportedly keen to expand its planned acquisition beyond the initial battery agreed earlier this year.
Sources said Indonesia has conveyed its interest in procuring more than the single BrahMos missile battery envisaged under a preliminary procurement framework finalised in March. A BrahMos battery comprises launchers, radars and missiles.
The proposed expansion is expected to figure prominently during discussions aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
India and Indonesia first discussed the potential sale during the Defence Cooperation Dialogue held in New Delhi in November last year, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Following the preliminary agreement in March, Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait said the acquisition formed part of the country’s military modernisation programme, particularly to enhance its maritime defence capabilities. According to sources, both sides are working on a phased procurement plan involving the BrahMos missile, which has a range of 290 km under Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) export restrictions. New Delhi has also proposed establishing a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to promote collaboration in technology transfer, joint research and development, while Indonesia is exploring financing options through one of its banks for the purchase.
DAC clears Rs 52,000 cr defence acquisitions to strengthen Army, Navy And Air Force
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth about Rs 52,000 crore to strengthen the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
The approvals cover a wide range of advanced military platforms and systems for the Army, Navy and Air Force. For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared the procurement of the AKASH TARANG anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle electronic warfare system, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile weapon system, Very Short Range Air Defence System, Active Protection System for tanks and jet-based kamikaze drone systems.
The Ministry of Defence said AKASH TARANG will provide effective protection against hostile drones for Army formations.
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