The Philippine Navy has established an anti-ship missile battalion to operate the Indo-Russian Brahmos supersonic cruise missile Manilla purchased from New Delhi in January.
The Philippine Marine Corps Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile Battalion (SBASM) will soon begin training and construction of facilities in preparation for the arrival of the missile system next year, ABS-CBN News reported, citing Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico.
“The activation of SBASM will certainly add to drumbeat the heartbeat, and deliver the knockout punch for our archipelagic coastal defense capability,” Herico said, adding that the facility construction work should be completed in 340 days.
$362 Million Missile Deal
The approximately $362 million deal includes three Brahmos batteries, “training for operators and maintainers as well as the necessary integrated logistics support package,” the Quezon City-based outlet wrote, citing National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Meanwhile, Philippines Marine Corps personnel will go to India to receive training to operate the system, Asia News International reported.
According to the Indian news agency, system developer BrahMos Aerospace is helping the Philippine military set up the missile bases.
The Brahmos
Brahmos is considered the world’s fastest cruise missile with a range capped at 290 kilometers (180 miles) due to Missile Technology Control Regime obligations.
According to The Hindu, India joined the club in 2016, resulting in the removal of the range restrictions. The country is reportedly working to extend the missile’s range to 600 kilometers (373 miles).