Philippines Seeks Nearly 60 More Supersonic BrahMos Missiles From India in Potential $800 Million Deal

MANILA, Nov 9 : The Philippines is seeking to acquire additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India and has submitted a list of proposed modifications to make the weapons better suited to the country's geography and infrastructure, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr said.

The proposed expansion comes as Manila steps up its military modernisation programme and strengthens its coastal defence capabilities amid continuing tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.

Speaking via video conference at the third Delhi Defence Dialogue in New Delhi on Wednesday, Teodoro said the Philippines hoped to increase its existing inventory of BrahMos systems and had shared its requirements with Indian authorities.

The proposed modifications are intended to address logistical challenges associated with transporting and deploying the missile systems across the Philippine archipelago, which comprises more than 7,600 islands.

"We hope to increase the number of BrahMos units we have, and we have also shared a wish list on the BrahMos to the Indian authorities in order to make it more tailor-fitted for the Philippine environment," Teodoro said.

His remarks indicate Manila's interest in expanding its existing agreement with India, although the proposed additional purchase has not yet been formally announced as a signed contract.

Reuters reported on Nov 5, citing three sources familiar with the discussions, that India was in the final stages of negotiations to expand the missile supply agreement.

According to two Indian sources cited by Reuters, the Philippines could acquire approximately five additional BrahMos systems, comprising nearly 60 missiles, under a deal estimated to be worth between US$700 million and US$800 million.

Neither government has publicly confirmed the proposed quantity or financial value.

The potential purchase would be significantly larger than the original US$375 million agreement signed in January 2022 for three BrahMos coastal defence batteries.

The existing contract marked the Philippines as the first foreign customer for the India-Russia jointly developed missile system, with deliveries now nearing completion, according to Reuters.

BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India and Russia. It can be deployed from land, naval vessels and aircraft, offering capabilities for coastal defence and maritime operations.

For the Philippines, the system is intended to strengthen its ability to monitor and defend maritime approaches, particularly in areas where overlapping territorial and maritime claims have contributed to tensions with Beijing.

Teodoro said India's decision to supply the missile system reflected confidence in the Philippines as a recipient country, adding that Manila intended to use the capability for defensive purposes in accordance with international law.

The proposed expansion also reflects the Philippines' efforts to diversify its defence procurement and develop capabilities suited to its geographical and security requirements.

However, the system's deployment across an archipelago presents practical challenges, including the movement of heavy launch vehicles, transportation infrastructure and the need to position sufficient equipment at strategically important locations.

The BrahMos programme is also part of wider defence cooperation between India and the Philippines. At the Delhi Defence Dialogue, Teodoro indicated that Manila was interested in expanding cooperation with New Delhi in space technology and satellite systems, including potential Indian participation in the Philippine military's satellite acquisition programme.

The dialogue, organised by India's Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, focused on defence reforms, technological cooperation, military modernisation and international partnerships.

While the additional BrahMos purchase remains under negotiation, it would represent a further step in the Philippines' efforts to strengthen its maritime defence capabilities amid an increasingly complex regional security environment.