Philippines considers further acquisitions of India's BrahMos missiles for Coastal Defense.

The Philippine military is considering an additional acquisition of BrahMos cruise missile systems to strengthen its coastal defenses. The move follows the three BrahMos batteries already secured by the Philippine Navy from India in 2022, with the first deliveries expected to begin in December.
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BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from a submarine, a ship, aircraft, or a land platform (Picture source: Army Recognition)

According to the Philippine News Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said more than three batteries are currently under consideration for purchase. “It will be used for coastal defense and to fill coverage gaps,” Brawner was quoted as saying.

In 2022, Manila acquired India's anti-ship missile system at a cost of 18.9 billion pesos (about $375 million). Each BrahMos battery typically includes three mobile launchers equipped with two or three missile tubes, as well as command and control vehicles, radar, and support. The agreement also includes training for operators and maintainers, as well as an integrated logistics support package.

The export version of the BrahMos missile has a range of 290 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.8. The missile is equipped with a 200-300 kilogram warhead, further enhancing the Philippines' capabilities in maritime control, anti-access/area denial, and coastal and island defense.

The BrahMos missile system is the result of a collaborative effort between the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Russian Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM). It is a medium-range supersonic ramjet cruise missile capable of being launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land. According to the Indian defense industry, the BrahMos missile can attack surface targets at altitudes ranging from five meters to 15,000 meters, providing a versatile solution for various military applications.

The BrahMos missile has a two-stage propulsion system that uses a solid-propellant rocket for initial acceleration, followed by a liquid-fueled ramjet for sustained supersonic cruise. The technology offers higher fuel efficiency compared to traditional rocket-propelled missiles, allowing the BrahMos to achieve a longer range.

The acquisition of additional BrahMos batteries aligns with the Philippines' broader defense strategy, focused on modernizing its armed forces and strengthening its territorial defenses. The new acquisitions would be a force multiplier in the region, particularly amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

BrahMos coastal defense missile launchers at the 69th Republic Day Celebration military parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2018 (Picture source: The Hindu)