The advanced weaponry and the valiant air support that India showcased during Operation Sindoor have brought the attention of the world towards the country’s soaring armory. Since the operation saw military engagements between India and Pakistan, it was the first time that French jets went up against the likes of Chinese J-10C fighter jets and other aircraft, proving their worth against each other. While claims that Rafales were brought down by Chinese jets after dogfights are still a matter of contention, the world also witnessed the rage that India unleashed over Pakistan with its BrahMos missiles and Rafale fighter jets.
The attacks followed after the death of around 26 civilians who were killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, after which India retaliated through precision strikes under Operation Sindoor. The Indian attack targeted Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Which Country Is Planning Ahead for a Future War?
After witnessing how tensions rose between the two nations, the world’s largest Muslim country, Indonesia, is now planning ahead to be able to withstand such attacks with ease. As per the latest updates, Indonesia is planning to acquire all three major weapons systems from India, China other countires. These include the BrahMos missiles, J-10C jets, and PL-15 missiles.
A report by Eurasian Times highlighted that an Asian country is not only planning to buy the French-made Rafale but also plans to procure the all-new BrahMos and other missiles that have proven their worth on the battlefield.
How Much Will the Deal Cost Indonesia?
Beyond the S-400 and BrahMos, Indonesia is planning to buy the J-10C and PL-15 missiles as well, which will be supplied by China. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ramped up efforts to modernise the Indonesian Armed Forces since taking office in October 2024. The government is planning to develop an MEF (Minimum Essential Force) as part of a new approach to streamline and make Indonesia’s military more effective.
The government has extensive plans to strengthen Indonesia’s air and naval power. Further, it seeks to procure an amalgamation of weapons from different suppliers to ensure that it is not dependent on any one nation — hence the plan to bring in weapons from France, China, and India.
Indonesia is planning to finalise a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal worth $450 million. The two sides have been discussing the deal for a while.
The BrahMos was an integral part of the weapons used by India in the attack on Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, India reportedly fired 15 to 19 BrahMos missiles at Pakistan, none of which were intercepted, according to several media reports.
How Will These Weapons Be Used?
The transactions will be concluded soon; however, both India and Russia need to issue their consent before this sale can take place with a third party. Until Russia approves the sale, the transaction cannot proceed. The deal will require the contract to be finalised by Russia. If the deal goes as planned, Indonesia will become the second nation after the Philippines to acquire BrahMos.
It is yet unclear which version of the BrahMos Indonesia is interested in. Another recent report listed that Jakarta was also interested in the air-launched version of the BrahMos. Since Indonesia has a fleet of Su-30 Flanker aircraft, the system can easily be integrated.
Indonesia is actively pursuing the purchase of approximately 42 additional Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, estimated at around $9 billion. However, Indonesia has also committed to purchasing Rafale jets from France. China had presented the J-10 to Pakistan right after hostilities ended, and it appears that Indonesia now plans to add the new jet to its fleet as well.
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