Philippines to buy India's BrahMos missile system for worth $375 million

The Philippines struck a deal to buy three batteries of the BrahMos missile, which was developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. This is a big boost to India's hopes of becoming a defence platform exporter.

It is India's first large defence export, at roughly $375 million. The missiles are made in India by Barhmos Aerospace.

On January 28, 2022, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) signed a contract with the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Philippines for the procurement of a Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

"The BAPL is a joint venture company of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The contract is an important step forward for Government of India's policy of promoting responsible defence exports."

Despite the fact that the formal contract was signed on Friday, the Philippines had approved the pact until December 31, 2021. Its National Defense Department had sent BAPL a Notice of Award, stating that "BAPL's proposal for the Philippine Navy's shore-based anti-ship acquisition project, with a corresponding price proposal" of US$ 374,962,800 "is hereby accepted."

While the Philippines is the first country to receive the missile system, several other Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, have showed interest in purchasing it, according to sources.

The Philippines' agreement is especially significant because, like India, the Philippines' relationship with China has deteriorated as Beijing has made aggressive advances in the South China Sea. In addition, Philippine fisherman must contend with China's marine militia, known as the Little Blue Men. In eastern Ladakh, India has been locked in a 21-month impasse with China that has yet to be resolved.

The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with a top speed of 2.8 mach (2.8 times the speed of sound).

It is a short-range, ramjet-powered, single warhead, supersonic anti-ship or ground strike cruise missile with a range of 300 km to 500 km. It may be launched from the ground, submarines, surface ships, and fighter jets, among other places.

On January 11, the Indian Navy's INS Vishakhapatnam successfully test-fired the missile's extended range sea-to-sea variant.