Philippines signs $369M deal with BrahMos to buy supersonic cruise missiles

Indo-Russian multinational aerospace and defense corporation BrahMos Aerospace Limited has signed a contract with the Department of National Defence of the Republic of Philippines for the supply of shore-based anti-ship missile systems for the Philippine Navy.

As informed, the contract was signed today at the Philippines’ Department of National Defense. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana signed on behalf of the DND, while its Director-General, Atul Dinkar Rane, signed for Brahmos Aerospace. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran was present to physically represent the Indian side in the event.

The value of the contract is PHP 18.9 billion or approximately $369 million, the defense officials revealed.

The contract is an important step forward for the government of India’s policy of promoting responsible defense exports, the officials emphasized. The deal was first conceptualized in 2017, while the government approved the purchase of the BrahMos missiles in early January.

“Equipping our Navy with this vital asset is imperative as the Philippines continues to protect the integrity of its territory and defend its national interests,” Lorenzana said.

 “As the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, the Brahmos Missiles will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea,” the defense chief added.

The BrahMos missile has a maximum range of more than 400 kilometers and a velocity of Mach 2.8. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land. Since late 2004, the missile has undergone several tests from a variety of platforms.

In 2017, the Indian Navy carried out a maiden firing of the land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from guided missile frigate INS Teg. The missile is notably one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world, according to the company.