This is an expansion of the previously acquired ISBASMS.
Manila: Amid tensions with China, the Philippines is now aiming to acquire 9 BrahMos anti-ship coastal missile batteries from India for its military. This is an expansion of the previously acquired land-based anti-ship missile system (ISBASMS) acquisition project.
Under this, two batteries were proposed to the Philippines from India. The coastal anti-ship missile acquisition project between India and the Philippines began in 2015 but was later cancelled. In 2019, it was converted into a land-based missile system (LBMS) acquisition project, which was approved in 2021.
The Philippines made a deal with India regarding BrahMos missiles in 2022. Under this deal worth $375 million, India will supply the Philippines with land-based BrahMos missiles along with their batteries, launchers, and other equipment. In April 2024, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines.
Two missile battery configuration systems were included in this delivery, featuring BrahMos missiles, mobile launchers mounted on Tatra 6×6 vehicles, and an integrated logistics support package.
Personnel from the Philippine Marine Corps have completed operator and maintenance training for the system. Considering the tropical environment of the Philippines, two missile launchers have been configured per battery, which is different from the three launcher configuration used in India.
The Philippines is the first country to purchase BrahMos from India, with discussions ongoing for its export to Vietnam, Indonesia, and the UAE.
Features of BrahMos missile
India and Russia jointly developed the BrahMos missile in the 1990s, and it became operational in 2001. This missile has been integrated into land-based coastal batteries, naval ships, and air launch systems. The range of the BrahMos missile is up to 900 kilometers depending on the variant. For the export version, its range is 290 kilometers. It is capable of traveling at speeds between Mach 2 (2469.6 km/h) and 3 (3,705 km/h) and can carry warheads weighing between 200 and 300 kilograms.
