India is working on the issue of selling Russian-Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia, Eurasian Times writes.
India is negotiating missile supplies with several Southeast Asian countries. However, purchases are constrained by a lack of funding. For example, Indonesia wants to increase its defense budget to acquire BrahMos. The Eurasian Times author suggested that New Delhi could offer Indonesia a loan from the State Bank of India.
BrahMos for Indonesia
Indonesia is interested in air-launched BrahMos missiles. The Indonesian Armed Forces are armed with Russian Su-27 fighters and Kilo-class submarines.
About the joint venture BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd
BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd is a joint venture between the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and NPO Mashinostroyenia. For the BrahMos deal to take place, both countries must approve it.
India owns 50.5% in BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd., and Russia owns 49.5%. At the same time, Russia has the right to veto potential buyers.
The order book for BrahMos missiles has reached $7 billion. India is also negotiating with Vietnam for the supply of missiles. The deal is estimated at $700 million.
About the "heavenly weapon"
The BrahMos missile, or, as it is also called, the "heavenly weapon", is part of India's nuclear triad. It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world, launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or ground platforms.
The missile has been repeatedly modernized. In particular, it received advanced software. BrahMos has become the main weapon of the Indian Navy, replacing obsolete missiles.
BrahMos missile specifications:
- Speed — 2.5-2.8 Mach
- Range — 300 km
- Flight altitude — up to 15,000 m
- Inertial control system with radar seeker
- Launch weight: 2500 kg (air-based), 3000 kg (ship-based)
- Warhead — penetrating
- Warhead weight — up to 450 kg
- Service life — up to 10 years
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