BrahMos, Air Defense System… How far has the talk reached on defense deal between India and Indonesia?

New Delhi : The President of Indonesia has reached India to attend the country’s Republic Day celebrations. Along with this, talks are also going on between the two countries regarding defense deal. India and Indonesia are working towards a framework agreement for defense cooperation and technology sharing. This defense deal can open the way for many big projects like transfer of surface-to-surface missiles, air defense systems and submarine construction technology.

There will be an agreement regarding BrahMos

In a report in our associate newspaper Economic Times, sources said that the big agreement can provide a credible and legal basis for high level technology transfer and joint production of weapon systems. Detailed discussions are expected to take place when President Prabowo Subianto arrives in India on a four-day visit as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations.
According to reports, it has been learned that the ongoing discussions for BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface cruise missile system could be carved out of this mega agreement as the Indonesian side has expressed interest in technology transfer. A government-to-government basis will also add a layer of comfort for Russia, which has been an equal partner in the BrahMos programme.

Agreement on confidentiality clause

ET has learned that Indonesia has agreed to a confidentiality clause with both the Russian and Indian parties for the purchase of BrahMos missiles that will prevent any theft of the technology. Sources said at least three big projects are being discussed. These include cooperation in BrahMos missile, air defense system being developed by a private sector company and cooperation in submarine technology.

The air defense system that is being discussed for possible co-production between the two countries could also potentially be a major contract. This is because it can be used on land as well as Indonesian warships.