India Delivers First Batch of BrahMos Missiles to Philippines in $375 Million Deal

India has delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in defense cooperation between the two countries. The delivery, which took place on Friday, comes over two years after India and the Philippines signed a $375 million deal for the supply of the weapon systems in January 2022.

The BrahMos missiles and launchers were transported from Nagpur, India to Manila, Philippines by an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft. This is the first export of the BrahMos missile by India, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

The deal between BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd and the Philippine Marine Corps includes the supply of three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship missile system, as well as an integrated logistics support package and training for operators and maintainers. The operator training of 21 personnel from the Philippine Navy was successfully conducted in India in February 2023.

Why this matters: The delivery of the BrahMos missiles to the Philippines underscores India's growing prominence as a defense exporter and highlights the strengthening strategic ties between the two countries. The missile system is expected to significantly enhance the Philippines' coastal defense capabilities, especially in the face of ongoing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

India has been looking to expand its defense ties with the Philippines amid growing global concerns over China's increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea region, where several countries have overlapping territorial claims. As part of efforts to boost military cooperation, India has also decided to post a defense attache to the Philippines.

The successful export of the BrahMos missile reflects India's technological capabilities and strategic partnerships. It also showcases the country's diplomatic outreach and the growing interest from other nations, such as Argentina, in procuring the advanced weapon system from India. The BrahMos missiles can be launched from various platforms, including submarines, ships, aircraft, and land-based systems, and fly at a speed of nearly three times the speed of sound.

The delivery of the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines marks a significant step forward in India's defense exports, which reached Rs 21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion) in the fiscal year 2023-24, representing a 32.5% growth from the previous year. "The Philippines' acquisition of the BrahMos missile system is a strong testament to the excellent military relations between our two countries," said a senior official from the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Key Takeaways

• India delivers first batch of BrahMos missiles to Philippines, a $375M deal.
• BrahMos missiles transported from India to Manila, marking India's first missile export.
• Deal includes 3 batteries of shore-based anti-ship missile system and training.
• Delivery strengthens India-Philippines defense ties amid China's maritime assertiveness.
• India's defense exports reach $2.63B in 2023-24, a 32.5% growth from previous year.