New Delhi: India is preparing to deliver the initial batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines this Friday, more than two years after finalizing a USD 375 million agreement to provide the weapon systems to the Southeast Asian nation, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
The delivery is expected to be facilitated by a military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which will transport the missile and launchers to the Philippines for handover to the country’s marine forces.
The deal between India and the Philippines for the supply of three batteries of the missile was concluded in January 2022.
This marks India’s inaugural export of the BrahMos missile, with other countries like Argentina also expressing interest in procuring these missiles from India.
BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between India and Russia, is responsible for producing these supersonic cruise missiles, which are capable of being launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms. The BrahMos missile boasts a speed of 2.8 Mach, nearly three times the speed of sound.
India’s decision to strengthen defense ties with the Philippines comes amid growing global apprehensions regarding China’s escalating military assertiveness in the South China Sea. The region has been a focal point of contention due to China’s expansive claims of sovereignty over the entire area, which is rich in hydrocarbons. Several neighboring countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, have competing claims in the region.
As part of its efforts to enhance military cooperation with the Philippines, India has opted to deploy a defense attache to the country, along with similar postings in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Poland, and Ivory Coast.
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