Indonesia Astra deal may open big export market

New Delhi: A deal in the works with Indonesia for the sale of Astra air-to-air missiles could open up a major export market for India, with the system already integrated with Russian-origin fighter jets operated by several African and Asian countries.

An Air to Air Missile Cooperation Agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, with the neighbouring nation expected to place an order for the Indian missiles. Indonesia is also looking to procure BrahMos missile systems from India on terms similar to the earlier export deal with the Philippines.

While the missile cooperation agreement does not specify the system or the quantities involved, sources said it refers to the Astra long-range air-to-air missile. The missiles are likely for Indonesia's fleet of Russian-origin Su-30 fighter jets.


India is currently the largest operator of Su-30 fighters and has carried out several modifications to the aircraft. The Astra has already been integrated with and fired from the fighters. Designed to replace Russian long-range air-to-air missiles that were found wanting by the Indian Air Force, the Astra is set to become India's mainstay air-to-air missile.

It fills a critical capability gap for the IAF and will give the Su-30MKI fleet the ability to counter Chinese- and US-origin missiles in service with Pakistan. In December last year, an extended-range version of the Astra was also cleared for development by DRDO and is likely to be ordered in large numbers once certified for operations.

While Indonesia operates 16 Su-27/30 fighters, Algeria, which already works with Indian partners for the maintenance of its Su-30s, has nearly 60 of the jets in service. Vietnam, which has been upgrading military ties with India, operates 35 of the aircraft, while Malaysia has 18

. The Astra is likely to be pitched as an attractive option for friendly foreign countries looking to upgrade the air-to-air combat capability of their Russian-origin platforms.