India’s BrahMos missile programme received a significant boost on Saturday after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that Indonesia has formally expressed interest in purchasing the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile system. Singh confirmed the development while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Lucknow, highlighting the growing global demand for India’s advanced defence technologies.
“Indonesia has requested to purchase the BrahMos missile being manufactured in Lucknow,” Singh said, noting that the proposal marks a major milestone for both India’s defence export ambitions and its strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia.
The announcement comes just days after Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the newly established BrahMos Aerospace facility in Lucknow. The integration and testing unit, inaugurated on May 11 this year, is now fully operational and has already begun supplying missiles, reinforcing India’s push for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The Rs 300-crore facility, located at Bhatgaon in Sarojini Nagar, forms a crucial component of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor — a flagship initiative aimed at transforming the state into a major defence production hub. According to an official statement, the unit adheres to high-technology standards in assembly, integration, and testing, ensuring that the BrahMos system meets global benchmarks.
The state government has also played a pivotal role in supporting the venture, providing 80 hectares of land free of cost to facilitate the rapid establishment of the production unit.
Jakarta’s interest in the BrahMos comes amid Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to bolster its coastal defence and maritime deterrence capabilities, particularly in the context of rising tensions in the South China Sea. A potential sale would not only deepen defence ties between India and Indonesia — both key maritime democracies — but also mark one of India’s most significant missile export deals to date.
India has been increasingly promoting BrahMos as a viable option for friendly foreign nations. The Philippines became the first international customer in 2022, and several other Southeast Asian countries have since shown interest. A deal with Indonesia would further advance India’s strategic outreach in the region.
While addressing BJP workers, Rajnath Singh used the occasion to emphasise organisational discipline, self-respect, and commitment. Referring to the example of Lord Ram, he said, “I tell all my workers to follow the rules. Lord Ram also followed the rules, hence he is called Maryada Purushottam.”
Encouraging party workers to aspire to higher responsibilities through dedication, Singh recalled his own political journey. “I have served as the District President of the Youth Front, the National President of the Youth Front, and twice as the National President of the party. Therefore, work for the organisation with complete dedication. No one can say who among you will reach what position and when.”
Reflecting on the National Democratic Alliance’s recent electoral win in Bihar, Singh said the people of the state had delivered a “wonderful” verdict. “All records have been broken, and no caste or religion has mattered,” he said, describing the victory as a testament to the NDA’s governance and public trust.
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating India’s global profile. “PM Modi has raised India’s prestige worldwide, and now, when India speaks, the world listens — which was not the case earlier,” Singh noted, adding that this enhanced image is built through strong leadership and the persistent efforts of party workers.
Indonesia’s bid for the BrahMos underscores India’s expanding role as a defence exporter. The government has set an ambitious target of achieving Rs 35,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2025, and missile systems like BrahMos are central to this vision.
