India Dispatches Fourth Battery Of BrahMos Missiles To Philippines Amidst Increased Chinese Actions In South China Sea

India is boosting its defence exports by sending a fourth battery of land-based BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, amid increased tensions in the South China Sea due to Chinese activities.

The delivery of these missiles is part of a $375 million deal signed between India and the Philippines in 2022, as per a report by Hindustan TImes.

Each battery consists of four launchers, each carrying three 290 km range missiles on mobile platforms, making them difficult to intercept by land or ship-based ballistic missile defence (BMD) systems.

The BrahMos deal has significantly contributed to India's defence exports, which reached Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-2024, showing a 32.5 per cent year-on-year growth. With its proven track record, India is expected to secure more orders for these supersonic missiles in the future.

Additionally, India is exploring a joint venture between Mazagon Dockyards Limited and French Naval Group to manufacture Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines in Mumbai for export to countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan is currently in France to discuss how Indian and French supply chains can collaborate under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

While India is considering options like manufacturing SSNs or utilising lithium battery, air-independent propulsion, or conventional diesel-electric submarines for maritime security, these decisions are expected to be finalised by next dispensation post Lok Sabha elections.