India Delivers BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles to Philippines Amid China Tensions

India has commenced the delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, marking its first export of the advanced defense systems. The $375 million deal, signed in 2022, aims to strengthen defense ties and strategic cooperation between the two countries amid escalating tensions with China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

On Tuesday, India dispatched the fourth battery of the land-based version of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines. Three batteries have already been delivered as part of the agreement. Each battery consists of four launchers equipped with three 290 km range missiles, mounted on mobile platforms to enhance survivability. The supersonic speed of the BrahMos missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, presents a significant challenge to interception by land or ship-based Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems.

The Philippines plans to station the BrahMos missile batteries along its coastlines to strengthen defensive capabilities and address potential security challenges posed by China in the region. The missile boasts a minimal radar signature, enhanced stealth capabilities, and the ability to execute diverse trajectories.

Why this matters: The delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines highlights India's expanding role in contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific region and countering China's growing influence. The deal represents a shift in India's policy, reflecting a broader strategic recalibration in response to regional challenges posed by China.

The BrahMos deal has significantly contributed to India's defense exports, which reached Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-2024, showing a 32.5% year-on-year growth. India is also exploring a joint venture between Mazagon Dockyards Limited and French Naval Group to manufacture Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines in Mumbai for export to countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Philippines is the first nation to acquire the BrahMos missile system, but other Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, have also expressed interest in purchasing it. "The delivery of the BrahMos missiles comes amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China asserts near-complete ownership, leading to confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships," a senior Indian defense official stated.

Key Takeaways

• India begins delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines, first export.
• $375 million deal aims to strengthen India-Philippines defense ties amid China tensions.
• BrahMos missiles to be stationed along Philippines' coastlines to address security challenges.
• Deal boosts India's defense exports, which grew 32.5% in 2023-2024 to Rs 21,083 crore.
• Philippines is first BrahMos buyer, other SE Asian nations also interested in the system.