India Delivers BrahMos Missiles to Philippines, Boosting Defence Export Profile

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India has recently delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and launchers to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in defence cooperation between the two nations. This delivery comes two years after India and the Philippines signed a deal valued at nearly $375 million to equip the Philippine Marines with three batteries of BrahMos missiles. The delivery underscores India’s growing stature as a major exporter of defence hardware and strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The BrahMos missile system is a joint venture between India and Russia, known for its speed, precision, and versatility. It is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, capable of flying at Mach 3 speed and striking targets with pinpoint accuracy. With its advanced technology and combat capabilities, the BrahMos missile has become a sought-after weapon system in the global defence market.

The delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines demonstrates India’s commitment to enhancing the maritime security capabilities of its strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines, situated in the South China Sea, has been facing growing security challenges due to maritime disputes and increasing assertiveness from China. By providing the Philippines with advanced missile systems, India aims to contribute to the country’s efforts to bolster its defence posture and safeguard its territorial integrity.

The delivery process involved transporting the BrahMos missiles and launchers to the Philippines via an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 transport aircraft. This logistical operation highlights the seamless cooperation between the defence establishments of India and the Philippines. Despite logistical challenges, both countries worked closely to ensure the timely delivery of the missile systems, underscoring the importance of defence cooperation in addressing common security concerns.

The BrahMos missile delivery to the Philippines is a significant achievement for India’s defence export industry, marking the first export order for this advanced weapon system. It reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing and technology development. The success of the BrahMos export deal is a testament to India’s competitiveness in the global defence market and its ability to meet the evolving security needs of partner countries.

The defence export sector plays a crucial role in India’s economic growth and strategic outreach. With an ambitious target of reaching ₹35,000 crore in defence exports by 2024-25, India is actively promoting its defence industry on the global stage. The country’s defence exports witnessed a remarkable growth of 32.5% last fiscal year, surpassing the ₹21,000-crore mark for the first time. This growth trajectory underscores the rising demand for Indian defence products and services worldwide.

India’s defence export portfolio encompasses a wide range of military hardware, including missiles, artillery guns, armoured vehicles, naval vessels, surveillance systems, and personal protective gear. With around 100 local firms involved in defence manufacturing and export, India has emerged as a key player in the international defence market. The country’s focus on indigenous defence production and technology innovation has positioned it as a reliable partner for defence cooperation and collaboration.

As India continues to expand its defence exports and deepen its strategic partnerships, the delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines serves as a testament to the growing synergy between the two countries in the realm of defence and security. It sets a precedent for future cooperation initiatives and underscores the importance of fostering strong defence ties to promote regional stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

In conclusion, India’s delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. It highlights India’s prowess in defence manufacturing and technology development and underscores the growing significance of defence exports in advancing India’s strategic objectives on the global stage.