India Sends Second Batch Of BrahMos Missiles To Philippines Via Sea Under $375 Million Defence Export Deal

India has sent the second batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to the Philippines, reinforcing its expanding position in the international defence market, Economic Times reported.

This transaction, succeeding the initial delivery in April 2024, aligns with India's wider strategy to strengthen its defence capacity and exports, especially in light of escalating security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

In January 2022, the Philippines entered into an agreement with India to acquire three BrahMos missile batteries. The BrahMos system, globally recognised as one of the most advanced cruise missiles, boasts a range of 290 kilometers and a speed of 2.8 Mach, which is approximately 3,400 km/h or three times the speed of sound.

The versatility of these systems is notable as they can be launched from various platforms including submarines, ships, aircraft, or land. This acquisition significantly bolsters the security of the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

The second installment of the BrahMos batch, part of a $375 million agreement between the two countries, has been shipped via sea, unlike the first battery which was transported by an Indian Air Force aircraft with assistance from civil aircraft agencies in April 2024.

India has also taken steps to provide training for military personnel in the Philippines. In February 2023, a group of 21 officers from the Philippine Navy received instruction on how to operate and maintain missile systems. This training equipped them with the crucial skills necessary to effectively manage and utilize this advanced technology.

India's 'Make in India' initiative, which emphasises the country's self-reliance in military production, considers defence exports as a crucial component. The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined a bold aim for this sector.

He states that defence production should exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore this year, with a goal to manufacture defence equipment worth Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029. The rapid growth of this sector is evident as the value of India's defence production has already escalated from Rs 40,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 1.27 lakh crore.