In a strategic move that amplifies India’s role as a defence exporter and strengthens India-Philippines relations, the nation is poised to kickstart the initial deliveries of the advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in defence exports and military technology transfer.
Amidst escalating tensions in the maritime disputes between the Philippines and China, India has proactively stepped forward to deliver the first batch of BrahMos missiles to Manila. This move, underpinned by a $375 million contract for three anti-ship BrahMos coastal batteries signed in January 2022, underscores the strengthening of coastal defense capabilities and highlights the strategic importance of anti-ship cruise missiles in the region.
The BrahMos missile, boasting a range of 290 km, is a formidable asset in naval warfare. As a supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms, its high speed and precision elevate it to a strategic asset, enhancing India’s anti-ship cruise missile technology prowess.
On the scheduled day, two IAF heavy-lift aircraft will transport the inaugural lot of missiles and launchers to Clark International Airport in the Pampanga region of the Philippines, marking a key moment in the delivery process.
India’s strategic decision to export BrahMos missiles to the Philippines is widely viewed as a countermeasure to China’s assertive posture in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. This move is critical to India’s national security strategy, reflecting on the geopolitical landscape and maritime dispute considerations.
Notably, this development is also a testament to India’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation and military diplomacy with ASEAN countries, a collaboration gaining momentum amidst the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.
This strategic initiative by India has garnered positive feedback from both the public and defence experts. It signals a transformative shift in India’s global positioning from a defence importer to a notable defence exporter, thereby enhancing its stature in the defence industry and military industrial complex.
The economic ramifications of this deal are substantial. The $375 million contract boosts India’s revenue and cements its position as a formidable competitor in the international arms market, contributing significantly to the global arms trade and foreign military sales.