India is focusing on Southeast Asia as a key market for the BrahMos missile, a supersonic cruise weapon developed jointly with Russia. The missile’s speed, precision strike capability, and versatility in deployment across various platforms make it a potent tool for strengthening regional defense capabilities. With speeds surpassing many conventional cruise missiles globally and a range of over 400 kilometers, the BrahMos is attracting interest in the region.
The missile’s deployment is seen as a response to China’s assertive naval posture in the South China Sea, aligning with the efforts of littoral states to enhance their deterrence capabilities. Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia are showing interest in adopting similar strategies to counter China’s growing influence. Concerns have arisen over the potential impact of the redeployment of American military assets from the Pacific to West Asia on defense readiness in the Indo-Pacific region amidst Chinese assertiveness.
Southeast Asian nations are broadening their engagements with external partners to bolster their military capabilities. Indonesia’s decision to procure the BrahMos missile from India holds significance in this context. India, alongside Japan and South Korea, is providing support to countries like Indonesia to counter China’s assertiveness. The report highlights India’s expanding strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region through agreements like the BrahMos deal with Indonesia and the Philippines.
