MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has set its sights on acquiring more Indian BrahMos missiles to strengthen the country’s deterrence and expand its coastal missile network across the South China Sea.
At the 3rd Delhi Defense Dialogue via teleconference late Wednesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines conveyed a “wish list” to India that would be more tailor-fit for the Philippine environment.
Teodoro said the Philippines is the first country to acquire the BrahMos missiles from India, demonstrating the South Asian nation’s trust and confidence in Manila.
“Giving such a capability is also a seal of good housekeeping on the recipient country, that the Indian authorities made a determination that the country is responsible and that the country would use it only for defensive purposes and not for any purpose contrary to international law,” Teodoro said.
The Philippines, he said, is “very happy to see that India has been involved in several maritime cooperative activities here.”
“We hope to increase the number of BrahMos units we have… Given the fact that our roads are less durable and bridges are less durable than India’s, we don’t have any rolling stock or any active railroad, and it is also a challenge to transport,” he added.
The BrahMos missile, recognized globally as one of the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles, plays a critical role in the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization and coastal defense strategy.
President Marcos has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enter into a satellite acquisition program, with India as potential partner.
Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio called the BrahMos an unmatched deterrent. He said the Philippines is a peace-loving country that needs credible defense.
“We don’t want to see it used. We are a peace loving country. So, all of this is about deterrence but credible deterrence,” Ignacio said in a television interview. “I’m sure our defense ministry and our military increasingly look to India for other possible procurement and purchases.”
In January 2022, the Philippines signed a $375 million deal with India to acquire three shore based anti-ship missile BrahMos batteries. The first battery was officially delivered to the Philippines in April 2024.