The Philippines is expected to purchase nearly 60 BrahMos missiles from India—about five systems—in a deal reportedly worth $700 million to $800 million, as Manila modernises its military and strengthens coastal defences amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
"Manila has shown interest again to procure about 5 systems of the BrahMos and they now view India as a very reliable partner," Reuters quoted a defence source as saying.
The latest likely deal with the Philippines is much higher than its previous $375 million order of BrahMos missiles with India for naval use.
BrahMos, developed jointly by India and Russia, is among the world's fastest cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.
Arsenio Andolong, Philippines defence ministry spokesperson, told Reuters that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had expressed his desire to procure additional BrahMos missiles. He, however, did not reveal further details.
Speaking virtually at the Delhi Defence Dialogue recently, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippines hoped to secure more BrahMos units and had shared a wish list with Indian authorities to make the system more suited to the country's environment.
The additional purchase is being considered at a time when the Philippines is building its military strength as tensions escalate with Beijing over overlapping claims in the South China Sea, where the two countries have clashed in recent years.
A few days ago, Ambassador of the Philippines to India, Josel F. Ignacio, stated that the Philippines was "very, very happy," delighted and proud to be the first export customer for India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile technology.
"What it shows also is that for the Philippines, India has risen to join the ranks of countries that are credible sources of defence technology for us, and I'm sure that our defence ministry and our military will increasingly look to India for other possible procurement and purchases," Ignacio said, according to news agency ANI.
He also described the deterrence offered by BrahMos as unmatched, adding that the missile system could open the doors to purchases of more high-technology items from India.
Interest in the BrahMos system has increased ever since Operation Sindoor, when India used the weapons system for the first time in battle.
In July, Delhi announced the supply of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia and also signed a deal with Vietnam. It is in talks on the system with several other countries, including the UAE, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil.
