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BrahMos: A Strategic Tool for India in Southeast Asia Against China.
India’s export of BrahMos missiles to Southeast Asia marks a step in its ambition to establish itself as a major player in the global arms market. This development is part of a broader strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships and counter China’s growing influence in the region. During his official visit to New Delhi in January 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto acquired this supersonic missile system a focal point of bilateral discussions. Indonesia could become the third operator of the BrahMos missile in Southeast Asia, following the Philippines and Vietnam. These nations, facing recurring tensions in the South China Sea, see the BrahMos as an essential tool to safeguard their maritime interests and enhance coastal defense.
The BrahMos missile, developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks missile. It is among the most advanced systems in its category (Picture source: BrahMos)
The Philippines has already received its first batch of missiles in 2024 as part of a $375 million contract signed in 2022, which includes three batteries, operator training, and logistical support. Vietnam, after years of interest, is on the verge of finalizing a deal worth $700 million for five batteries. Indonesia, in turn, is negotiating a $450 million agreement that may include a local currency payment mechanism, potentially setting a precedent for future Indian arms exports. Malaysia and Thailand are also observing these developments, with possible plans for future acquisitions. However, the deployment of these missiles in a strategically sensitive region near China has raised significant concerns in Beijing, which views this proliferation as a direct threat to its security.
The BrahMos missile, developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks missile. It is among the most advanced systems in its category. Capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.8 and ranges between 300 and 500 kilometers depending on the variant, it stands out for its precision, stealth capabilities, and striking power. Powered by a liquid-fueled ramjet engine with a solid-propellant booster, the missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and even underwater. It carries a payload of 200 to 300 kilograms, comprising high-explosive or submunition warheads, and employs an inertial navigation system with active/passive radar guidance for terminal targeting. Since its induction into India’s armed forces in 2007, the BrahMos has become a cornerstone of its strategic arsenal while drawing interest from international buyers.
However, the path to exporting the BrahMos has not been without challenges. India initially faced competition from the Russian Yakhont missile, exported to Indonesia and Vietnam in the 2010s. Intellectual property disputes with Russia and India’s cautious approach to avoid antagonizing China further complicated early export efforts. Over time, these barriers diminished as India reduced its technological dependence on Russia and adopted a more assertive defense policy in the wake of deteriorating Sino-Indian relations, particularly after the 2020 Galwan clashes. The BrahMos has since become a central element of India’s defense diplomacy, especially in Southeast Asia.
China views the export of BrahMos missiles as a strategic challenge, particularly given its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Deployments in key areas such as Zambales and Luzon provinces in the Philippines could cover strategic locations like the Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands. Additionally, the prospect of increased cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines, supported by Indian technological assistance, heightens Beijing’s concerns. While Chinese analysts have pointed to the lack of long-range radar systems in these nations’ militaries as a potential limitation, recent acquisitions of advanced radars by the Philippines from Israel and Japan indicate efforts to address this gap.
Beyond its military impact, the BrahMos plays a vital role in strengthening India’s strategic ties with Southeast Asia. In addition to sales, the associated training, maintenance, and technical support programs help establish durable defense relationships between India and its partners. The missile has become a symbol of India’s comprehensive approach under its "Act East" policy, combining diplomacy, trade, and defense to counter China’s expanding influence. Furthermore, the development of a hypersonic variant, the BrahMos-II, designed to reach speeds above Mach 5, could further enhance the system’s appeal and expand its geopolitical significance.
The export of the BrahMos highlights India’s technological capabilities and its aspiration to emerge as a major player on the international stage. As a strategic asset, it strengthens defense partnerships between India and Southeast Asian nations while recalibrating regional power dynamics in response to China. These agreements also serve as a potential springboard for broader Indian arms sales, solidifying India’s position in a highly competitive market.