Indonesia becomes first overseas buyer of India’s Astra air missile

Alongside an agreement on “cooperation on the BrahMos system”, the Astra missile deal—signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta—marks a milestone for India’s defence industry. Unlike the Indo-Russian BrahMos joint venture, Astra has been entirely designed and produced domestically without foreign assistance.

The Astra contract was concluded through an agreement between state-run Bharat Dynamics Ltd and Indonesia’s defence holding company Republikorp. Like BrahMos, Astra played a notable role during Operation Sindoor.

Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 4.5, the missile can engage hostile aircraft at ranges between 80 and 110 kilometres, with an extended reach of up to 160 kilometres. It will be integrated into the Indonesian Air Force’s Russian-origin Sukhoi fighter fleet, specifically the Su-30 and Su-27 platforms.

Beyond the missile agreements, Prime Minister Modi referred to the “extension of the MoU and implementation arrangement on maritime safety and security cooperation”. He said the renewed framework would enhance collaboration between the two countries’ Coast Guards, strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve search and rescue coordination and capacity building, and promote safe and free navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

Another major agreement covers the integrated development of Sabang Port, located near the strategically crucial Strait of Malacca and just 90 nautical miles from Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to India’s tri-service command. India is also advancing the Great Nicobar project to bolster its national security and economic presence. Approximately 75 to 80 per cent of China’s imported crude oil passes through the strait. Developing Sabang Port is expected to help India counter China’s expanding naval footprint and port investments across the Indian Ocean. The deep-water facility will also enable the Indian Navy to better monitor submarine and surface vessel movements entering the Indian Ocean.

Following the defence agreements, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X that cooperation on the BrahMos system “showcases the strength of India’s defence industry, reinforces Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhances indigenous defence capabilities while promoting innovation, global competitiveness and exports”. He added that the Astra agreement “strengthens India’s defence exports and Make in India for the world initiative, and bolsters the country’s indigenous missile development ecosystem”.