Another important turning point in the Philippines’ defence export capability has been reached with the successful shipment of the second battery of the BrahMos cruise missile system. This most recent delivery is a part of India’s first significant defence export deal, a historic $374.96 million (₹2,700 crore) contract signed in January 2022 for the sale of shore-based anti-ship missile systems to the Philippines. The move demonstrates India’s increasing influence in the world defence industry and its dedication to fortifying strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific area.
In contrast to the initial delivery, the second BrahMos cruise missile battery was shipped to the Philippines using a new logistics strategy. “The second missile battery has been sent in a ship this time,” a defence source with knowledge of the situation revealed. The first battery, on the other hand, was delivered in April 2024 aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft with assistance from civil aviation agencies. Before arriving at the western regions of the Philippines, the hefty load had to be transported by nonstop six-hour flight. The shipment shows that India is capable of producing and exporting advanced defence systems, marking another achievement in the country’s “Make in India” and “Make for World” missions.
Three shore-based anti-ship missile system (SBASMS) batteries are to be supplied under the terms of the agreement between India and the Philippines; the second battery is currently on its way. With remarkable technological characteristics, the BrahMos is a sophisticated supersonic cruise missile with a 290-kilometer range and a speed of 2.8 Mach, or over 3,400 km/h, or nearly three times the speed of sound. The ability to launch from a variety of platforms, including as ships, submarines, aeroplanes, or land-based stations, gives its operators strategic flexibility. In order to guarantee efficient system deployment and maintenance, the comprehensive agreement also includes the required integrated logistics support package and crucial operator training.
One of the most important aspects of the export agreement has been training Philippine personnel to use the advanced missile system. 21 Philippine Navy soldiers received specialised training in February 2023 that concentrated on the operation and upkeep of the SBASMS’s essential logistics packages. Through this training, Philippine forces will be able to maximise the sophisticated missile system’s strategic worth for the nation’s defence capabilities by properly deploying and maintaining it. Beyond merely selling equipment, India and the Philippines’ defence cooperation includes capacity building through the transfer of technical knowledge and operational expertise.
India’s increasing aspirations in the global defence sector, especially in Southeast Asia, are exemplified by the BrahMos missile shipments to the Philippines. A number of other countries that have indicated interest in purchasing the BrahMos system have been actively interacting with India. Potential growth in export prospects was indicated in January 2025 when Indonesia’s defence minister wrote to the Indian embassy in Jakarta about a $450 million BrahMos transaction. Thailand and a number of other nations have also expressed interest in acquiring the system, demonstrating the growing awareness of India’s capacity for defence manufacture. With 83% of its components now produced in India, the BrahMos missile, which started out as a joint venture between Russia and India, is experiencing significant indigenisation.
The purchase of BrahMos missiles by the Philippines coincides with changing Indo-Pacific security conditions. By deploying its Typhon missile system to Northern Luzon in April 2024, the United States has been bolstering its military presence in the Philippines at the same time.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have welcomed reports that the United States is getting ready to send a second Typhon battalion to the country. “The more assets we have, the more that we are able to train more personnel,” said AFP spokeswoman Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, who was excited about these advancements. During the Balikatan 2025 exercises, the United States also intends to send Marine Corps anti-ship missiles to the strategically significant Luzon Strait.
An important milestone in India’s defence export plan, the delivery of the second BrahMos missile battery to the Philippines highlights the two countries’ growing strategic alliance. In addition to strengthening the Philippines’ marine defence capabilities, this milestone positions India as a reliable source for cutting-edge defence systems.
The effective execution of the BrahMos agreement with the Philippines is a potent illustration of India’s increasing clout in the international defence market, as the country continues to develop its defence manufacturing capabilities and seek export prospects with other interested countries. India’s dedication to self-reliance in defence industry while preserving its competitiveness internationally is further demonstrated by the current indigenisation work for the BrahMos system.
