New Delhi: India is nearing a major defence export agreement with the Philippines for the supply of approximately 60 additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in a deal estimated to be worth US$700 million to US$800 million, as New Delhi continues to strengthen its position in the global defence market.
Negotiations between the two countries have reportedly entered their final stage, with Manila considering the purchase of around five additional BrahMos systems. The discussions come as India approaches the completion of deliveries under the existing US$375 million agreement signed in 2022 for naval applications.
An Indian source said the Philippines had renewed its interest in acquiring the missile systems and increasingly regarded India as a trusted defence partner. The proposed deal would be substantially larger than the previous agreement.
The Philippines is accelerating the modernisation of its armed forces and strengthening its coastal defence capabilities amid growing tensions in the disputed South China Sea, where territorial claims by Manila and Beijing overlap.
Jointly developed by India and Russia, the BrahMos is among the world’s fastest cruise missiles and can be launched from land, naval vessels and aircraft. Philippine Department of National Defence spokesperson Arsenio Andolong told Reuters that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had expressed interest in acquiring additional BrahMos missiles, although he declined to provide further details.
Speaking virtually at the Delhi Defence Dialogue on Wednesday, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro also indicated that Manila expected to procure more BrahMos units. He said the Philippines had submitted a ‘wish list’ to Indian officials to help customise the missile system to meet the country’s operational requirements.
The proposed acquisition reflects Manila’s efforts to enhance its military preparedness as tensions with China continue to intensify in the South China Sea. The two countries have experienced repeated confrontations in the strategically important waterway in recent years.
India’s Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, along with BrahMos Aerospace, have not responded to requests for comment on the proposed agreement.
International interest in the BrahMos missile system has grown following last year’s four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan, during which India deployed the weapon in combat for the first time.
India has also expanded its defence engagement with other countries. In July, New Delhi announced the supply of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia and reached an agreement with Vietnam. Discussions are also reportedly under way with several other nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil.
India’s growing defence export capabilities are reflected in official figures. Defence exports reached ₹384.24 billion (US$4.11 billion) in the financial year ending in March, registering growth of more than 62 per cent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.
