BrahMos supersonic cruise Missiles delivered to the Philippines by India. The two countries had signed a deal worth USD 375 million in 2022. (Source: ANI)
The long anticipated $375 million landmark defence deal between India and the Philippines which was inked in 2022, witnessed its fruition. The deal for three batteries of BrahMos with the island nation included an offer of an integrated logistics support package and training for operators and maintainers. ANI reported that the export of ground systems for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, along with the missiles themselves, began last month.
The BrahMos missile is developed jointly by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. Today, with up to 85 per cent of its components being manufactured in India. BrahMos Aerospace is developing a hypersonic missile having a speed of Mach 8 and a possible range of 600 km.
It is also stated that the missile has undergone multiple upgrades through the infusion of better software and hardware alterations, lifting its accuracy, destructive power and range.
This is a testament which exemplifies Indian efforts towards self reliance (Atmanirbhar) in the defence sector. India is all set to start the first delivery of a naval version of BrahMos supersonic missiles to the Philippines perhaps as estimated on 19th April or later this week.
It is reported that the export timeline of BrahMos missile faced a lot of changes due to extraneous factors. India was supposed to deliver the first export of BrahMos in December 2023. Due to the extreme weather conditions, the export of major indigenous defence equipment systems was stalled by a couple of months. Again, the reason cited was the strong monsoon that created hurdles in the preparation of missile deployment sites construction. Hopefully, the maiden voyage of this joint venture is happening sooner than later.
The journey of this BrahMos missile, the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, begins from Nagpur, India, where it is loaded onto an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. Accompanied by three civilian freight liners carrying additional parts and support systems, the missile is poised to increase the defence capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps’ coastal defence regiment.
This deal is witnessed amidst the flared up tensions in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea. China’s vehement behaviour, expansionist orientation towards self proclaiming its absolute sovereignty in the South China Sea has provided a wake up call to the concerned countries in the region.
Several countries in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims. Therefore, the export of BrahMos missile is viewed from the perspective of transforming and enhancing deterrence and fortification capabilities against the potential predatory elements lurking in the region.
The successful export of the BrahMos missile underscores India’s growing prominence as a defence exporter on the global stage. With defence exports reaching Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a staggering 32.5 percent growth from the previous year, India has emerged as a pivotal player in the international defence market.
This is not just highlighting India’s technological and defence prowess. It is also adding a feather to already augmenting Indian diplomatic clout. For instance, multitude of countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and Argentina have already shown their interest in BrahMos missile.
While the talks with Indonesia are believed to be at a fairly advanced stage, Vietnam too is exploring the missile acquisition. India is ready to extend line of credit like it has done to African and South American nations for selling its indigenous military hardware. While India is on full throttle to establish defence ties with the Philippines, India has decided to post a defence attached to that country along with Ethiopia, Mozambique, Poland and Ivory Coast.
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is recognised as the foremost and swiftest precision-guided weapon on a global scale and part of the most successful missile programs in the world. It has essayed a critical role in enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities.
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