Philippines Seeks Expanded BrahMos Missile Acquisition Amid South China Sea Tensions
The Philippines is in advanced discussions with India to significantly increase its acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, with a potential deal valued between $700 million and $800 million. This proposed package would nearly double Manila's existing order, which was a $375 million deal in 2022 for three batteries of the shore-based, anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. indicated that Manila has provided India with a 'wish list' for modifications to better suit the country's unique infrastructure and geography, particularly concerning the movement of heavy missile equipment across its islands. The acquisition aims to bolster the Philippines' coastal defense capabilities, especially in the context of ongoing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The BrahMos missile, co-developed by India and Russia, is a high-speed, precision, stand-off supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from various platforms.
