The Philippines will soon receive the third batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, completing the $375 million deal made in 2022. The first two batches have already arrived in early 2024 and 2025. These missiles will fortify the Philippine navy in the South China Sea. Notably, the Philippines is the first nation to procure BrahMos from India.
BrahMos for the Philippines: Securing the South China Sea
In 2022, the Philippines signed a $375 million (approximately 30 billion PHP) agreement with India for three BrahMos batteries. Each battery features missiles with a range of 290 kilometers and a speed of Mach 2.8. The first batch arrived in April 2024, and the second followed in April 2025. BrahMos will enhance the Philippine navy's coastal defenses, particularly against China's claims in the South China Sea.
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The CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, Jayateerth Joshi, remarked that the missiles are ready, and deliveries will be timely. This agreement strengthens ties between India and the Philippines, with the latter incorporating BrahMos into its Horizon 3 Modernization Program and expressing interest in acquiring additional batteries.
New Deal with Vietnam Near Completion
Vietnam is close to finalizing a $700 million (approximately 599 billion VND) BrahMos deal with India. This will bolster Vietnam's naval and air defenses in the South China Sea, making it the second Asian country to acquire BrahMos. Discussions accelerated in April 2025 and are expected to conclude soon.
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Source: aajtak
Interest from Other Nations: Indonesia and Malaysia Next
The success of Operation Sindoor in May 2025 has attracted many countries to the BrahMos. Indonesia is poised to sign a $450 million (approximately 38 billion IDR) agreement, becoming the third customer after the Philippines and Vietnam.
Malaysia's Royal Malaysian Air Force has shown interest in an air-launched variant, which will integrate with Su-30MKM jets. Other nations such as Armenia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela have also shown interest. Armenia has already procured BrahMos, and talks with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are ongoing.
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Source: aajtak
The Strength of BrahMos: Why is It So Popular?
BrahMos, a joint missile system by India and Russia, can be launched from land, sea, and air. It boasts a range of 290 km, a speed of Mach 2.8 (thrice the speed of sound), and unmatched precision. Its effectiveness in anti-ship and land attack roles was proven in Operation Sindoor, boosting India's defense exports. In fiscal 2024-25, India's defense exports reached 21 billion INR, with BrahMos playing a significant role.
India's Surge in Defense Exports
Operation Sindoor positioned BrahMos as a game-changer. Southeast Asian countries are purchasing BrahMos to counter China's claims. India aims to boost exports to 50 billion INR by 2025-26, strengthening its 'Make in India' initiative.
