BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are now in the arsenal of Philippines. India has delivered the first batch of this deadly missile to Philippines as part of 375 Million USD Contract signed back in January 2022. According to defense sources, the Indian Air Force dispatched its C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft of American origin carrying missiles to the Philippines to deliver the weapon system to the Philippine Marine Corps.

The Philippines plans to deploy three batteries of the BrahMos missile system along its coastal areas to provide defense against potential threats in the region.

Indian army has already inducted the missile into its weapon store since 2007.

As tensions rise in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines, the addition of the BrahMos missile strengthens Manila’s essential coastal defense capabilities. Moreover, it serves as a strategic signal to Beijing that Manila enjoys support from multiple countries, including India, on matters concerning the South China Sea.

Timely delivery of the powerful missile underlines India’s commitment on being a reliable defense manufacturer and also the signaling to China, amid the LAC aggressions at Indo-China borders.

In 2023, 21 Marine soldiers from Philippines had received requisite training on operation of Brahmos missile systems already.

Furthermore, New Delhi is actively involved in discussions with Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and several other nations, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, regarding the BrahMos missile system. Additionally, there is interest in the system from countries in Latin America such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile powered by a ramjet engine, designed to kill medium-range targets. It is capable of being launched from various platforms such as land, ships, submarines, and aircraft. Known for its high manoeuvrability and top speed of Mach 2.8, the BrahMos is recognised as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. Currently, the land, sea, and air-launched versions of the missile are being actively introduced into the armed forces in substantial quantities. The air-launched variant is compatible only with the Su-30 MKI aircraft due to its substantial size. Notably, BrahMos missiles are equipped with an embedded chip that enables the use of navigation systems from the United States, Russia, or India, including Navic.

India was not initially a part of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which imposed restrictions on missile payload and range. After joining in 2016, India’s BrahMos started developing a new line of missiles with improved range and accuracy. Some missiles with a range of up to 500 km have already been created, with plans to enhance all missiles to reach 1,500 km. The submarine-launched version of BrahMos can be deployed from depths of 40 to 50 meters. The air-launched BrahMos-A needed adjustments in size and weight to be compatible with aircraft. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI can carry only one of the 2.55-ton, 500 km-range BrahMos-A missiles, prompting modifications to numerous aircraft for this purpose. Each branch of the Indian military possesses a substantial missile arsenal, with quantities on the rise.

India’s delivery of the BrahMos missile to the Philippines is a game-changer in the South China Sea and is likely to draw attention from China, potentially raising eyebrows in Beijing.

India’s decision to provide the BrahMos missile system to the Philippines underscores the growing strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. This move not only enhances Manila’s defense capabilities but also sends a clear message of solidarity against assertive actions in the South China Sea. It highlights the evolving dynamics and the collective resolve of nations to uphold stability and security in the region.

FEATURES OF BRAHMOS MISSILE:

1. Fire & Forget Principle
2. Supersonic speed all through the flight
3. Long flight range
4. Low radar signature
5. Pinpoint accuracy
6. 2 Stage Propulsion System
7. Solid-propellant rocket for initial acceleration and a liquid-fuelled ramjet responsible for the sustained supersonic cruise
8. Air breathed ramjet propulsion

As the tension is growing in the Indo-Pacific Region, Brahmos stands as the main firepower missile for all branches of the Indian defense. Now, in the arsenal of Philippines, it poses a strategic threat to China.