Philippines to purchase more military equipment from India
NEW DELHI, India — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced the Philippines' intention to purchase more military equipment from India, saying he was impressed with its missile systems.
In an interview with local Indian media, Marcos acknowledged the growing challenges in the West Philippine Sea, as China continues to assert its presence in Manila’s waters.
The Philippines purchased the BrahMos missile system from India in 2022, with the shipment still ongoing as of 2025.
Marcos said he has been impressed by the system’s performance during practice runs.
"We are in the process of actually procuring more. So again, whatever else the Indian defense industry has been growing very rapidly and your technology is second to none, so that's always an option for us," Marcos told Firstpost.
With the formalization of a diplomatic partnership, Marcos has upgraded diplomatic ties with India, another country that has territorial rows with China.
During Marcos' state visit to India, several defense agreements were made that paved the way for collaboration between the two countries' militaries and coast guards.
Marcos acknowledged the Philippines' efforts to upgrade its military systems amid growing tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea.
While he emphasized that the country was not seeking war, he said it was preparing to defend itself.
When asked if India’s weaponry could match China’s, Marcos declined to give a direct answer.
"We don't look at it that way. We look at it… if they are able to defend the Philippines and I think they will. I think they are very good pieces of equipment," he said.
The president said that India is being eyed as a primary weapons supplier to the Philippines, as the Asian giant offered high-quality weapons at competitive prices.
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