BrahMos Cruise Missile Delivery To Philippines Set To Start By End Of 2023; Follow-On Order In The Works

BrahMos Aerospace is set to begin delivering supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines by the end of 2023 as part of a deal signed last year, according to the company's Chief Executive Officer, Atul D. Rane.

The company, a joint venture between India and Russia, had signed a $375 million deal with the Philippines in 2022. The missiles supplied under this deal will equip the Philippines' shore-based anti-ship missile batteries amid tensions with China in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is also reportedly considering a follow-on order of around $300 million. BrahMos is hoping to expand its presence in Southeast Asia as India seeks to triple defense exports.

According to Rane, the Philippines has hinted that the 2022 missile sale is just the beginning, stating that "they are looking at more systems."

Rane added that BrahMos has offered to supply shore-based missiles and a version that can be mounted on warships, and that the Indonesian defense forces are extremely interested.

While details about the size and timeline of the deal have not been reported, Rane said that a deal could be in place within the year.

Meanwhile, in India, the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, has approved a proposal to purchase 200 extended-range BrahMos missiles for the Indian Navy's frontline warships. This deal could potentially become the biggest ever for BrahMos Aerospace.