Delhi Defence Dialogue Announcements
The Philippines is seeking to acquire additional BrahMos missile systems from India, marking a potential expansion of its existing defence procurement with New Delhi. National Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro disclosed these plans while addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue, which was hosted by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi.
Teodoro delivered his remarks via video conference on Wednesday. During his address, he described the BrahMos missile as a "very capable weapon," signaling the strategic importance of the system to Philippine defence planning.
Procurement Details and Specifications
According to sources in India, the Philippines has shared a wish list with Indian authorities to tailor the weapons for the specific conditions of the Philippine environment. This request suggests that future acquisitions may involve modifications or specific configurations distinct from standard export models.
The potential new deal is expected to be larger than the initial procurement agreement signed between India and the Philippines in 2022. That original contract, valued at $375 million, covers the supply of coastal-launched BrahMos anti-ship missile systems. Deliveries for this initial batch are scheduled to be completed within the current year.
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with a range of 300 kilometers. It is produced under a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. While a ship-fired land-target variant of the missile exists, it has not been exported to date.
Regional Strategic Context
The procurement efforts align with broader regional security dynamics in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have all opted for the coastal-launched anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile. However, the geopolitical drivers differ among these nations; the Philippines and Vietnam are involved in ongoing maritime territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, whereas Indonesia is not part of such a dispute.
Satellite Cooperation Initiative
Beyond missile systems, Teodoro cited a "special request" from Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding space-based capabilities. The president has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enter into a Satellite Acquisition Programme with India as a potential partner.
This directive indicates a shift toward deeper military cooperation in outer space technology, complementing the physical defence assets provided through missile procurement. The specific parameters of this satellite programme were not detailed in Teodoro’s address, but it underscores an intent to diversify defence partnerships with New Delhi.