India sends first batch of BrahMos to Philippines

NEW DELHI: Marking a key military export milestone, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi noting the development and congratulating the nation.

The missiles were delivered to Manila by an Indian Air Force C 17 Globemaster III aircraft and are the first of several missiles that will be dispatched under a $375 million contract inked in 2022. This is the first time that India has exported cruise attack missiles to a friendly nation and is the largest single defence export order till now. "Now we are also exporting BrahMos missiles. The first batch of this missile is going to the Philippines today. I congratulate all my countrymen for this," PM Modi said at a political rally in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. The BrahMos shore based anti-ship missile system has a range of 290 km and has been jointly developed with Russia and is being produced in India. Discussions for sales have been on with other potential customers as well, including Vietnam, UAE and Indonesia.

There is a strong likelihood of increasing the export order to Philippines that has been looking to upgrade military capability in the backdrop of an increasing assertive China which has made claims on several disputed islands.


The supersonic missile is already in service with Indian armed forces in various roles. This includes anti ship, targeting of critical military targets like airfields, ammunition dumps and fuel storage facilities. In February, the government cleared an order for over 200 extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, valued at close to Rs 20,000 crore. These missiles will be fitted onboard leading warships. The air force also operates the BrahMos missiles from its Su 30MKI fighter jets.

India has shored up military ties with the Philippines and has also extended a $100-million defence-related Line of Credit to Manila. Other potential sales include the Advanced Light Helicopter as well as the Light Combat Helicopter.