India Delivers Brahmos to Philippines
India sent the Philippines a second group of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This move is a big step toward a $375 million defense deal that was made in January 2022.
The shipment, which came by sea, follows the first delivery in April 2024 and shows that India is becoming a bigger player in the arms trade around the world.
Getting these advanced weapons is a big step toward diversifying the Philippines’s defense partnerships. For a long time, the Philippines has relied on U.S. military aid.
The BrahMos system gives Manila an extra layer of defense in this unstable Indo-Pacific region. It can hit targets 290 kilometres away at speeds that are almost three times faster than sound.
Even though this change is based on a bilateral agreement, it significantly impacts regional security dynamics and influences global arms trade trends.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya worked together to make the BrahMos missile, which is a powerful and flexible weapon.
Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers
It is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, and it moves at Mach 2.8, which is about 3,400 kilometres per hour. This speed makes it one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles.
Its 290-kilometer range lets it attack targets far beyond the horizon, and the fact that it can be launched from land, sea, air, or submarine platforms makes it even more useful. As its warhead weighs 200 kilograms, the missile can hit ships or targets on land with pinpoint accuracy.
The BrahMos is much faster than subsonic missiles like the U.S.-made Harpoon. The speed makes it much harder for enemy defenses to react, which makes it very difficult to intercept.
Its low flight path, which skims just a few meters above the water, makes it even more stealthy and effective against naval targets.
While the Philippines only has a small navy and finds it difficult to patrol its huge maritime territory, BrahMos gives the country a big boost in its coastal defense capabilities.
Philippine Marine Corps
The 2022 contract promised the delivery of parts for the second missile battery out of three planned. Command-and-control systems, integrated logistics support, and mobile launchers mounted on Tatra 6×6 vehicles are among these components.
The Philippine Marine Corps received the first batch of parts last year. They received training in India on how to operate and maintain the system. The Indian military usually uses a configuration with three launchers per battery.
The Philippine variant, on the other hand, has two launchers per battery because it works better in the tropical environment of the archipelago.
This adaptation considers the practicalities of using high-tech weapons in a country with weak defense systems. Indian experts taught the Filipino staff both short-term and long-term maintenance techniques so that they would be able to keep the system running on their own.
This sharing of information is an important part of the deal because it lets the Philippines use BrahMos as part of its overall defense strategy without having to rely too much on outside help.
To understand how important this purchase is, one must consider the unique challenges that the Philippines faces. The country has more than 7,000 islands that cover a large area of water, most of which is in the disputed South China Sea.
Palawan or Luzon
Manila has been trying for a long time to bring its military up-to-date, but its forces have always had old gear and not much money. The Philippines can project power from key coastal areas like Palawan or Luzon, which protect important sea routes, thanks to the BrahMos system and its shore-based anti-ship variant.
The 290-kilometer range of the missile means that it can effectively control large parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, acting as a credible deterrent against hostile naval forces.
The system’s truck-mounted launchers make it mobile and allow for quick redeployment, which makes it difficult for enemies to guess where it will be or stop it.
The move is a giant step forward for a military that has had a difficult time in the past asserting its presence in waters that are claimed by other countries.
The BrahMos missile system boasts notably advanced technology compared to other missile systems in the region. For instance, Western navies still rely on the U.S. Harpoon, which has a limited range of around 120 kilometres and travels at a subsonic speed of 850 kilometres per hour.
Supersonic Anti-ship Missile
Despite its widespread use and reliability, the Harpoon faces challenges from modern air defenses because of its slower speed and predictable flight path. Meanwhile, China’s YJ-12, another supersonic anti-ship missile, offers similar speed and range to the BrahMos.
However, its main limitation lies in its deployment—it is mainly used on naval and air platforms, which reduces its versatility. In contrast, BrahMos can be launched from land, sea, and air, offering greater operational flexibility.
Some Southeast Asian navies have adopted Norway’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM). Although the NSM is quiet and highly accurate, it is subsonic and only reaches about 185 kilometres of range.
Hence, BrahMos stands out by combining speed, range, and multi-platform capability. It equips the Philippines with a credible deterrent that rivals even more advanced navies.
With this acquisition, Manila has reached a new level of military power, now able to project force far beyond its shores.
Instead of only buying from traditional suppliers like the US, the decision to buy BrahMos from India shows a deliberate shift in strategy. The Philippines has been an ally of the United States for many years.
The BrahMos Deal
They are bound by a treaty of mutual defense, and they host American troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The partnership is strong, as shown by recent joint exercises and the deployment of U.S. Typhon missile systems in the Philippines.
However, Manila’s decision to buy weapons from India shows that it wants to expand its defense options and become less reliant on a single supplier. The BrahMos deal, which is worth $375 million, is cheaper than Western systems and provides high performance at a lower cost.
India’s offer to help with training and logistics also fits with the Philippines’ need for long-term solutions that will last. This move doesn’t mean that ties between the US and the Philippines are getting weaker; it’s just a practical way to make the defense system stronger.
Having Russia as a part of the BrahMos program complicates the deal. A team effort produced the missile. It uses Russian propulsion technology and guidance systems, and India helped make the airframe and electronics.
India now produces nearly 83% of the BrahMos’s parts, demonstrating its strong desire for self-sufficiency in defense.
Hybrid System
However, the Philippines’ ties to Russia raise questions about how the country will manage this partnership, given its historical avoidance of purchasing Russian arms due to political concerns.
Because the BrahMos is a hybrid system, Manila can acquire Russian-made technology without needing to purchase it directly from Moscow. Manila can use a system that has already demonstrated effectiveness.
This agreement highlights the complex negotiations countries undertake in the global arms market to balance technological needs with diplomatic considerations.
The deal proves India can partner with other nations to boost defense exports under the “Make in India” mission. BrahMos represents a wider militarization trend across the Indo-Pacific, where countries are strengthening defenses amid shifting power dynamics. Vietnam is reportedly close to a $700 million BrahMos deal, mirroring the Philippines’ recent move.
Indonesia is also demonstrating strong interest, as discussions are accelerating following a high-level visit to BrahMos Aerospace in January. These deals suggest a loose Southeast Asian group is forming to counter threats using Indian-made weapons.
US and China
Unlike the West, India avoids tying political strings to defense partnerships or military sales. India’s flexible, cost-effective systems like BrahMos appeal to nations that want power without choosing between the US and China.
The historical background of the BrahMos program offers valuable insights into its significance. In 1998, the India-Russian project aimed to develop a missile capable of competing with the world’s best.
Early versions had problems with technology, but by the 2000s, the BrahMos had been tested a lot and shown to be reliable.
India’s armed forces have used the missile on various platforms, including warships, submarines, and Su-30 fighter jets. India began seeking export markets after the BrahMos missile performed successfully. In 2022, the Philippines was the first country to buy it.
India’s ability to export missiles increased after the country joined the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016. These developments made it easier to sell long-range systems.
BrahMos Aerospace is currently manufacturing the BrahMos-NG, the next-generation version. It will be lighter and work with smaller platforms.
Scarborough Shoal
They are also working on the BrahMos-II, which is a hypersonic version. With speeds exceeding Mach 5, the BrahMos-II could significantly enhance the missile’s capabilities. These improvements demonstrate India’s commitment to staying at the forefront of missile technology, potentially impacting its position as a defense supplier.
The Philippines’ purchase of the BrahMos is a big step toward modernizing its military. The military has had trouble replacing old gear it got from the U.S. and other allies because it hasn’t had enough money for a long time.
The standoff with China at Scarborough Shoal in 2012 showed how weak Manila’s defenses were, which led to a push to strengthen them. Along with plans to buy submarines and more missiles, the BrahMos deal shows a dedication to creating a strong defense.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has emphasized the necessity for advanced systems to counter aggressive maritime activities; however, securing funding for these systems remains a challenge.
The BrahMos is a beneficial choice for a country with limited resources because it is relatively affordable and highly effective. It acts as a force multiplier and improves Manila’s strategic position.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of the BrahMos deal for the region as a whole. Disputes at sea and the need to protect important trade routes are causing a quiet but intense arms race in Southeast Asia.
South China Sea
Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia all have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. To meet these claims, they’re modernizing their naval and missile arsenals.
As a key U.S. ally, Australia is facilitating investments from other countries in long-range strike weapons, such as hypersonic missiles, under the AUKUS defense pact.
These advanced weapons might bring stability for some, but they could worsen tensions in an already fragile region. BrahMos has the potential to shift power balances, pushing others to speed up their weapons acquisitions.
Such an event could trigger a domino effect of rising defense budgets throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. It’s still unclear if more spending actually strengthens deterrence or simply fuels further instability.
India’s role as a defense exporter adds an intriguing twist to this evolving narrative. Once dependent on foreign arms, India now builds its own, and BrahMos stands as its proudest achievement yet.
India could export $6 billion in defense goods by 2028, according to Samir V. Kamat, head of DRDO. This increase is due to the high demand for systems like BrahMos. The missile is popular worldwide, as countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South America want it.
Conclusion
India views defense exports as a tool to boost its influence, not just as a way to earn money. These exports help India push back against China’s growing presence in key regions.
The Philippines deal may be small, but it proves India can deliver advanced systems reliably. It shows India can meet deadlines and budgets—key goals of its broader defense export strategy.
The deployment of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines represents a significant shift for both India and the Philippines. That’s a step toward Manila’s military independence, which will give it more confidence to stand up for its maritime rights.
It strengthens India’s reputation as a trustworthy defense partner who can compete on the arms market with the world’s powers.
A single missile system can shift alliances and change military strategies overnight. This highlights the complex ties between technology, geopolitics, and regional security.
Southeast Asia now faces growing uncertainty and rising tensions with its neighbors. In addition to being a formidable shield, the BrahMos sends a daring message to opposing powers.
The incident demonstrates that even smaller nations can wield significant influence on the global stage. However, as more countries acquire these types of weapons, the delicate balance in the region is at risk.
Will the spread of high-tech missiles like BrahMos make things more stable or lead to new conflicts? Time will tell.
References
- India delivers second BrahMos missile batch to the Philippines—Defense News Today
- India-Philippines $375 million BrahMos Missile Deal Explained—Defense News Today
- BrahMos missile: Supersonic, versatile and strategic—BrahMos Aerospace Official Site
- India and Philippines strengthen defense ties with missile agreement—Pakistan Defence Forum (Facebook Group)
- Philippines receives BrahMos missile from India to boost coastal defence—The Diplomat
- India’s rise as a global defense exporter—Mint
- What features make the BrahMos missile a game-changer? – India Today
- India’s BrahMos export strategy post-MTCR membership—Observer Research Foundation
- Vietnam and Indonesia eye BrahMos acquisition—The Eurasian Times
- BrahMos NG and BrahMos-II hypersonic variant in development—Hindustan Times
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