The Philippine Marine Corps — the country's rapid deployment force specialising in naval warfare and amphibious operations — on Friday marked its 75th anniversary by unveiling its first BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile battery before the world.
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The Indian long-range ballistic missiles were showcased in a video presentation that was included in the ceremony to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Philippines' elite force. Manila has reportedly decided to station the country's first Philippine BrahMos battery in Western Luzon, which is part of the largest island in the Philippines. The Marine’s Coastal Defense Regiment’s Shore-based Anti-Ship Missile Battalion will be in charge of its operations, local media reports said.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
First look of the #Philippine Marine Corps unveils its major strategic asset — the #BrahMos Missile Battery. A landmark moment in Indo-Pacific defence cooperation as India’s BrahMos reaches the Philippines, enhancing regional deterrence and maritime security. 🇮🇳🇵🇭 #BrahMos… pic.twitter.com/mCgh88NqSH
— Manish Prasad (@manishindiatv) November 7, 2025
Quoting the Coastal Defense Regiment, USNI News said that each BrahMos battery with the Marine Corps is equipped with two mobile autonomous launchers, one radar vehicle, a missile reloader, and a command and control truck.
Three batteries of the Indian supersonic anti-ship missiles were procured in 2022 in a $375 million deal. While it was not officially declared where the other two batteries will be placed, reports claimed that it was safe to assume the Northern Luzon-based 4th Marine Brigade will entrust one with the Coastal Defense Regiment at its base in Ilocos Norte.
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Why Philippines buy BrahMos?
The Philippines approached New Delhi for BrahMos as a part of its $7.2 billion project to acquire 50 batteries of multi-launch rocket systems, shore-based missile systems, and anti-ship missiles, which it found essential to modernise its troops, USNI News said. The purchases are part of the country's large-scale $35 billion Re-Horizon 3 military modernisation programme.
According to procurement documents, the Philippines is eyeing the potential procurement of around 50 batteries of multi-launch rocket systems, shore-based missile systems, and anti-ship missiles. Combined, these projects amount to $7.2 billion and represent one-fifth of Manila’s upcoming $35 billion Re-Horizon 3 military modernisation program. It was in April that India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
