Rosoboronexport, a Russian state-owned defense company, is reportedly in talks with Indonesia to supply missiles worth up to $200 million. The deal would involve the delivery of a variety of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-air missiles to the Indonesian military.
The announcement comes as Rosoboronexport seeks to expand its global footprint and tap into new markets for its products. The company has a long history of supplying weapons to countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and has been a major supplier to India for decades.
According to reports, the missile deal with Indonesia is part of a broader effort by the Indonesian military to modernize its arsenal and boost its defense capabilities. The country has faced increasing pressure in recent years from China, which has been asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea and expanding its military presence in the region.
The deal with Indonesia is also seen as a potential boost for Russia’s defense industry, which has been hit hard by Western sanctions in recent years. The country has sought to pivot towards other markets, including Asia and the Middle East, to offset the impact of these sanctions.
The potential missile deal with Indonesia is likely to raise concerns among some Western countries, particularly the United States, which has been seeking to reduce Indonesia’s reliance on Russian military equipment. The US has imposed sanctions on several Indonesian officials and companies in recent years over their ties to Russia, and has urged the country to diversify its defense procurement.
However, the Indonesian government has indicated that it is willing to consider a range of suppliers for its military equipment, including Russia, China, and Western countries. The country has also sought to build up its domestic defense industry, with the aim of reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers over the long term.
The potential missile deal with Russia is just the latest example of Indonesia’s efforts to modernize its military and expand its capabilities. The country has been increasing its defense spending in recent years, and has been investing in a range of new weapons systems, including submarines, fighter jets, and missile defense systems.
For Russia, the deal with Indonesia could provide a much-needed boost to its defense industry, which has been struggling in recent years due to Western sanctions and a decline in global demand for its products. The country has been seeking to expand its presence in the global arms market, and has been actively pursuing new customers in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
However, the deal with Indonesia is also likely to fuel concerns about the proliferation of missile technology in the region, particularly given Indonesia’s strategic location in the South China Sea. The US and other Western countries may seek to limit the transfer of such technology to Indonesia, citing concerns about the potential for it to be used against their own interests.
