The Philippines has received the first shipment of the export variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India amid heightened tensions between Malina and Beijing over the South China Sea. According to sources, the first batch of missiles and launchers was ferried by two IAF heavy-lift aircraft, C-17 Globemaster, as part of a $375 million contract for three anti-ship BrahMos coastal batteries signed in January 2022. The arrival of the BrahMos missile systems in the Philippines on Friday is a significant milestone. This not only strengthens India’s relations with Manila but also serves as a testament to India’s diplomatic prowess, sending a positive signal to other potential buyers. Besides, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have shown keen interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile system.
India has secured its first major international export order for a shore-based variant of an anti-ship cruise missile with a range of 290 km. Although India has longer-range missiles now, the one being supplied to the Philippines is the original shorter version. A missile system comprises several sub-systems, including launchers, vehicles, loaders, and command and control centres.
The BrahMos is the only supersonic cruise missile in the world which can fly at three times the speed of sound (Mach 2.8). It is capable of both coastal defence and ground attack roles. The deal comprises the delivery of three missile batteries, training for operators and maintainers, and an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. A single missile battery typically comprises three mobile autonomous launchers, each equipped with two or three missile tubes and tracking systems. Two missiles can be fired within 10 seconds from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
The acquisition of the BrahMos missile system by the Philippines armed forces is a strategic move under their ‘Horizon’ 2 Priority Projects, signalling their commitment to the modernisation of its armed forces. This decision, made amidst escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, underscores the importance of the BrahMos system in the region’s security landscape. During his visit to the Philippines in March, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed India’s support for the country in upholding its national sovereignty. Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen over the past two years, primarily due to the disputed territories of Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. With an eye on China’s aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, India has steadily stepped up military ties with ASEAN countries.
Team BharatShakti
