Missiles Across The Archipelago: How Indonesia’s BrahMos Deal Could Put China’s Sea Lanes In The Crosshairs

Indonesia’s decision to buy the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India is drawing attention across the Indo-Pacific, where maritime tensions and naval competition continue to intensify. For Jakarta, the acquisition is primarily about strengthening coastal defence. Yet the geography of the Indonesian archipelago means the missiles could also influence naval movements across some of Asia’s most strategically important sea lanes — particularly those linked to the South China Sea. Indonesian officials say the procurement forms part of a long-term military modernisation effort aimed at protecting the country’s vast maritime territory and deterring potential incursions in sensitive waters. The deal, reportedly…