The Philippines is expected to procure approximately 60 missiles as it seeks to strengthen coastal defences in the South China Sea.
India is in final-stage talks to expand its sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, according to reports by the Times of India and Economic Times. The potential agreement is valued between $700 million and $800 million.
The Philippines is expected to procure around five BrahMos systems, comprising nearly 60 missiles. This follows a $375 million agreement signed in 2022, as New Delhi moves towards completing those deliveries.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said during the Delhi Defence Dialogue on Wednesday that Manila hopes to acquire more units. He stated that a wish list has been submitted to Indian authorities to adapt the system to the country's requirements.
Defence ministry spokesperson Arsenio Andolong told Reuters that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed interest in acquiring additional missiles, though he did not provide further details.
The proposed purchase comes as the Philippines modernises its military and strengthens coastal defences amid tensions with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The BrahMos missile was jointly developed by India and Russia and can be launched from land, naval vessels, and aircraft.
India's defence exports reached 384.24 billion rupees ($4.11 billion) in the financial year ending March, an increase of more than 62 per cent from the previous year.
