Final Discussions Underway Between India and Philippines for $800 Million BrahMos Missile Deal

Negotiations between India and the Philippines to expand the sale of supersonic cruise missiles have now reached the final stages. According to a Reuters report, three sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that New Delhi is preparing to complete deliveries under a previous agreement made in 2022, while discussions for a new and larger deal are currently ongoing. Under this proposed agreement, the Philippines is likely to purchase approximately 5 BrahMos systems and a total of about 60 missiles. According to two Indian sources, the potential value of this new deal could be between $700 million and $800 million. According to reports by Sandesh and TV9 Gujarati, this amount totals approximately ₹6,200 crore to ₹7,100 crore in Indian rupees, while a report by ABP News suggests the amount could be ₹6,600 crore to ₹7,500 crore or more.

An Indian source stated, "Manila has expressed interest in acquiring approximately 5 more BrahMos systems and now views India as an extremely reliable partner." The Philippines is currently modernising its military strength and strengthening its coastal defences. This step is being taken in the context of rising tensions in the South China Sea and maritime disputes with China. There have been frequent confrontations between the two countries in the South China Sea over the last few years, and the Philippines is accelerating its defence preparations due to China's increasing military activities.

Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson for the Philippines' Department of National Defence, told Reuters that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed a desire to acquire more BrahMos missiles. However, Andolong did not provide further details regarding the exact number or cost of the deal. Additionally, Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro participated virtually in the Delhi Defence Dialogue on Wednesday. On this occasion, he stated that the Philippines hopes to secure more BrahMos units. Teodoro further added that he has shared a 'wish list' with Indian authorities to further adapt the BrahMos system to the Philippines' environment and their specific operational requirements.

This new potential deal is significantly larger than the first BrahMos agreement of $375 million signed in 2022. Under that previous agreement, the Philippines purchased the BrahMos missile system for its navy. Manila now seeks to further consolidate its maritime surveillance and coastal defence capabilities through additional purchases. According to Reuters, they were the first to report information regarding the size and value of this deal. When contacted regarding this matter, the Indian Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the missile manufacturer BrahMos Aerospace provided no response.

Global interest in the BrahMos system has increased, especially after the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan last year, when India used this weapon system in combat for the first time. India is now holding discussions with other countries for this system as well. In July, Delhi announced the supply of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia and has also signed an agreement with Vietnam. Additionally, India is in talks with several countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, South Africa, and Brazil regarding this system. Government data shows that for the financial year ending in March, India's defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore ($4.11 billion), representing a jump of over 62% compared to the same period in the previous year. This increase is boosting India's 'Make in India' campaign and establishing India as a global defence exporter.

According to reports by Sandesh and TV9 Gujarati, this deal is not merely defence-oriented but signals changing strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. India's growing defence partnerships could affect the balance of power in the South China Sea. The BrahMos missile is known for its speed and precision, capable of targeting enemy warships and key land targets. Its speed is between Mach 2.8 and 3, making it one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. This missile can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms.

BrahMos was a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile that could be launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft, or TELs. It was a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, who together formed BrahMos Aerospace. This missile was based on the P-800 Oniks. The name 'BrahMos' was derived from the names of India's Brahmaputra and Russia's Moskva rivers.