Philippines gets BrahMos missile from India: $375M deal signed in 2022

India has started supplying BrahMos supersonic missiles to the Philippines. Under this, India has sent the first set of BrahMos supersonic missiles to the Philippines on 19 April 2024.

The deal regarding this weapon system was made in 2022:

• A deal worth US $ 375 million was signed between India and the Philippines for this weapon system in 2022.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has sent its C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft with these missiles to the Philippines. IAF has handed over these missiles to the Philippine Marine Corps.
• These weapon systems were also transported by sea where cargo ships were chartered. The export of ground systems for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system along with the missiles had started only last month.
• Apart from this, India will also give training to Philippines in operating missiles.

Philippines got BrahMos during increasing tension with China:

• Philippines is getting this missile system at a time when its tension with China is increasing due to continuous skirmishes in the South China Sea.
• The Philippines will deploy three batteries of the BrahMos missile system in its coastal areas to defend against any threat in the region.
• The deal was approved after several approvals from partner countries of the missile programme. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyeniya of the Russian Federation, is considered one of the most successful missile programmes in the world. The BrahMos missile programme has played an important role in enhancing India's defence capabilities.

About BrahMos Supersonic Missile:

• The speed of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (speed 2.8 Mach) is very fast and its range is 290 kilometers.
• The special thing about this missile is that it can be launched from submarine, ship, aircraft or land.
• One special thing about this missile is that it can also change its path in the air, which makes it difficult to track.
• The speed of the missile handed over to the Philippines is 2.8 times more than the speed of sound.
• Each system of BrahMos has two missile launchers, a radar and a command and control center. Through this, two BrahMos missiles can be fired at the enemy within 10 seconds from submarine, ship, or aircraft. 

Why are BrahMos missiles necessary for the Philippines?

• The Philippines has had several clashes with China recently in the South China Sea. The Philippines will deploy these missiles in the South China Sea. This will increase the capability of the Philippines in the sea and will also prevent China's growing influence in the sea.

What will be the benefit to India?

• This deal with the Philippines will help in making India an exporter in the defence sector and promoting self-reliant India. 
• This deal will also boost the morale of the military industry and India will also be seen as a big reliable exporter in South East Asia.
• This deal will strengthen India-Philippines relations and will send a message of unity between the two countries to China. This will help in curbing China's growing influence in the South China Sea.

Argentina-Vietnam also showed interest in BrahMos missile:

• Atul Dinkar Rane, Director General of BrahMos Aerospace, had said in June 2023 – 12 countries including Argentina, Vietnam have shown interest in purchasing the BrahMos missile system.
• The demand for BrahMos from outside countries shows that this missile system is quite reliable.