New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Philippines is looking to expand its acquisition of India’s BrahMos missile systems and deepen cooperation with New Delhi in the military use of outer space, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has said.
Speaking virtually at the Delhi Defence Dialogue on Wednesday, Teodoro said Manila had shared a wish list with Indian authorities to customise the missile system according to the Philippines’ operational requirements.
“We hope to increase the number of BrahMos units we have,” he said, describing the missile as a “very capable weapon”.
The dialogue was hosted in New Delhi by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).
Indian sources confirmed that discussions were underway and indicated that a potential follow-on deal could be larger than the $375 million contract signed by the two countries in 2022. However, no new agreement or contract value has been officially announced.
Philippines seeks customised BrahMos missile systems
India and the Philippines signed a $375 million deal in 2022 for the supply of BrahMos coastal defence missile systems. The delivery schedule for the original order was expected to be completed in 2026.
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
The missile has a reported range of around 300 km and is designed for anti-ship and land-attack roles. The Philippines acquired the coastal-based anti-ship variant under its first contract with India.
The Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam have shown interest in the BrahMos system, with the three countries opting for its coastal-launched anti-ship variant.
The Philippines and Vietnam are also involved in maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, a strategically important region with significant energy resources and major shipping routes.
Manila looks to India for military satellite programme
Alongside missile procurement, Teodoro said the Philippines wanted to expand cooperation with India in space technology, particularly for military applications.
He referred to a proposed Armed Forces of the Philippines Satellite Acquisition Programme, saying President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr had instructed the country’s defence establishment to pursue the initiative.
Teodoro described India as an important potential partner for the programme.
The proposed cooperation could open another area of defence engagement between the two countries, beyond their existing missile procurement partnership. However, details of the satellite programme and any possible Indian role have not yet been announced.
