FACT CHECK: Has Indonesia Rejected India’s BrahMos Cruise Missile?

Claim:
A social media handle shared a claim that Indonesia has rejected India’s BrahMos cruise missile due to fake stated specifications and an alleged launch site explosion incident in the Philippines in July 2024.

Verdict:
False

The Claim:
A handle named Tactical Tribune on X (formerly Twitter) shared an image stating: “Indonesia has rejected India’s BrahMos cruise missile. The rejection comes after:
– Fake stated specs
– The incident of launch site explosions in the Philippines (July 2024)”

Fact-Check Analysis:

1. Reports of a $450 Million BrahMos Deal:
   A keyword search conducted by FactCheck India led to credible reports from The New Indian Express, Eurasian Times, and Caliber Az. These reports confirmed that Indonesia’s defense ministry has approached India regarding a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, indicating that the two countries are still in discussions.
2. False Claims of Launch Site Explosion:
   The claim about launch site explosions in the Philippines in July 2024 is entirely false. FactCheck India previously debunked this claim, and there is no credible information supporting such an incident.

Context:
This claim about Indonesia rejecting India’s BrahMos missile surfaced amid growing discussions about defense exports and international relations. Indonesia has been in talks with India regarding the missile deal, which has yet to be finalized but remains under negotiation.

Conclusion:
The claim that Indonesia has rejected India’s BrahMos cruise missile is misleading. The two countries are currently working out the details of an export deal for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and there is no evidence supporting the claim of a rejection due to fake specifications or an explosion incident.

Verdict:
False