Philippines to get first delivery of BrahMos missile in December

New Delhi: The first delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines will happen in December, equipping its navy to secure its maritime interests against expansionist design of China. 

According to the top officials of BrahMos Aerospace, the first export of missile systems will take place by this December at the Philippines defence exhibition 2023. "Hopefully, no extreme weather conditions will be there. We are moving ahead to achieve our goals," an official said.

India and The Philippines had entered into an agreement for three batteries of the BrahMos missile system at a total cost of $375 million. With the completion of the delivery of the BrahMos missile systems, the Philippines will become the first nation to purchase this system which has been developed jointly by India and Russia. The armed forces of India and Russia are already using various versions of the BrahMos missile.

The missile system has a 400 km range, Mach 2.8 speed and a warhead that can pierce and damage toughest of ship hulls.

Other than missiles, the deal includes offer of integrated logistics support package and training for operators and maintainers. The supersonic cruise missile will offer detterance value to Philippines given China's aggressive maritime postering. The Philippines had signed a deal to buy the BrahMos missile system from India in order to deter belligerent behaviour by China and strategic expansion by the Chinese into the South China Sea.

Several other nations have also expressed their interest in purchasing the BrahMos missile system from India.

Brahmos Aerospace is a joint venture between India and Russia.

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