Philippines preparing to purchase more BrahMos missiles from India

The Philippines is preparing to purchase additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India to further strengthen the security of its maritime borders and enhance its capability to counter increasing Chinese military activities. According to a report by Amar Ujala, the Philippines is considering the procurement of approximately five additional BrahMos missile systems or a total of about 60 missiles. This potential deal is estimated to be worth between $700 and $800 million.

The Philippines has also requested India to make certain modifications to this missile system according to its requirements. The primary objective of these changes is to adapt the missile system to the geographical conditions and military requirements of the Philippines to ensure more effective usage. If this potential deal proceeds, it could provide new strength to the defence relations between India and the Philippines.

Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed the desire to purchase additional BrahMos missiles during the third Delhi Defence Dialogue on 4 November. He stated that the Philippines wishes to increase the number of BrahMos missiles in its possession. For this purpose, the Philippines has also provided Indian officials with a list regarding its requirements. This list includes requests to better tailor the missile system to the environment and military needs of the Philippines.

The Philippines has previously entered into an agreement with India for BrahMos missiles. In 2022, the Philippines signed a $375 million deal with India. Under this agreement, it purchased three batteries of shore-based BrahMos anti-ship missiles for its navy. The primary purpose of these missiles is to target enemy warships at sea and protect the country's maritime borders. Now, the Philippines views the BrahMos not just as a weapon, but as a vital part of its coastal security and long-range strike strategy.

The Philippines considers the BrahMos missile extremely important to tackle challenges posed by China. China claims most of the South China Sea, leading to constant tension between the Philippines and China over maritime territories. The Philippines aims to strengthen its position to challenge China by increasing its military capability. The BrahMos missile provides it with the power to target enemy vessels at sea from a distance.

This year, American and Philippine marine forces also practiced the use of BrahMos anti-ship missiles during a joint exercise. This exercise worked on strategies to attack maritime targets with the help of drones and land-based missiles. The Philippines has also prepared a special military base for BrahMos at the Philippine Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui located at Jambles, on the coast of Western Luzon.

BrahMos is an extremely powerful supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia, which can be launched via sea, land, and air. This missile is known for its extremely high speed and precision, making it an extremely dangerous weapon on the modern battlefield.