BrahMos Missile Deal Key to Strengthening India-Philippines Defense Ties

The recent BrahMos missile deal between India and the Philippines has been hailed by Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo as a major step in fortifying defense relations. This agreement, worth $375 million, facilitates future military cooperation and the exchange of strategic technologies, particularly given the heightened tensions in the South China Sea.

Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has characterized the recent deal for shore-based, anti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles between India and the Philippines as a significant advancement in their defense partnership. He emphasized that this agreement paves the way for further collaboration in military training, equipment exchange, and operational facilities.

During his recent interaction with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Secretary Manalo underscored how the engagement between the two countries is expanding into strategic sectors beyond trade. FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal acknowledged the diversification of collaboration into sectors such as waste management, green mobility, and agricultural technology, alongside the important defense cooperation marked by the missile deal.

India delivered these BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in April 2024 as part of a substantial $375 million agreement established in 2022. Reports indicate that the Indian Air Force utilized its C-17 Globemaster aircraft to transport the missiles to the Philippines Marine Corps, with the export of accompanying ground systems commencing in the previous month.

The delivery of the missiles occurs amidst increasing tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, with plans for the three batteries of the BrahMos missile system to be stationed in coastal regions, thereby bolstering the Philippines’ defense posture against potential threats.

This strategic deal has received essential approvals from various partner nations involved in the BrahMos program. The BrahMos missile system, a joint project between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is recognized as one of the most advanced globally. It stands as the fastest precision-guided weapon, enhancing India’s deterrent capabilities significantly. The Indian Army has incorporated multiple BrahMos regiments since 2007, strengthening its overall defense capabilities.

The establishment of the BrahMos deal represents a pivotal moment in enhancement of defense relations between India and the Philippines. By advancing cooperation in military sectors and fostering broader strategic collaborations, both nations are poised to strengthen their ties amid regional challenges. The commitment to enhance military preparedness through advanced technologies underscores the importance of this agreement in ensuring regional stability and security.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com