Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has described the India-Philippines BrahMos missile deal as a major milestone in defence cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, signed in 2022 for USD 375 million, marked India’s first major defence export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Speaking about the deal, Manalo highlighted its strategic importance and its role in opening avenues for further military collaboration.
“It was a major significant development in our defence relations and that will open the door for further collaboration not only in terms of military equipment but military cooperation, training, exchanging of officers and operational facilities…,” Manalo said.
BrahMos Missile Deployment in the Philippines
In April 2024, India delivered the shore-based, anti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines Marine Corps as part of the agreement. Defence sources confirmed that the Indian Air Force transported the missiles using C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
The export of ground systems for the BrahMos missile system, along with the missiles, began last month. These missile batteries will be deployed along coastal areas to strengthen the Philippines’ defence posture, particularly amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea.
BrahMos – A Game-Changer in Defence
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is regarded as one of the world’s fastest precision-guided weapons.
It has been a key component of the Indian Army’s arsenal since 2007, significantly bolstering India’s deterrence capabilities. With this deal, the Philippines becomes the first foreign nation to procure the BrahMos missile, reinforcing India’s emergence as a global defence exporter.
Expanding India-Philippines Strategic Cooperation
On Monday, Foreign Secretary Manalo also engaged with members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), where he emphasized the broadening of India-Philippines cooperation in strategic sectors beyond defence.
FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal acknowledged the growing defence partnership and highlighted new avenues for collaboration in waste management, green mobility, and agricultural technology.
“While we continue to be engaged through trade and investment, I’m happy to see that engagement is diversifying into new and strategic sectors,” Agarwal said.
Conclusion
The BrahMos missile deal marks a new chapter in India-Philippines defence ties, strengthening Manila’s security infrastructure while deepening bilateral cooperation. With continued strategic engagement across defence, trade, and technology, the partnership is poised for further expansion in the Indo-Pacific region.