The Philippine Army is considering acquiring BrahMos cruise missile systems for coastline defense.
This is in addition to the three BrahMos batteries already ordered by the Philippine Navy from India in 2022, with delivery expected beginning in December.
More than three batteries are being considered for procurement, Philippine News Agency reported, citing the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
“It will be used for coastal defense, and be used to cover gaps in coverage,” the outlet quoted Brawner as saying.
Coastline Defense Purchase
Manila bought the Indian anti-ship missile system in 2022 for 18.9 billion Philippine pesos ($375 million).
Each battery typically consists of three mobile launchers with two or three missile tubes, command and control, radar, and support vehicles.
The deal includes training for operators and maintainers and an integrated logistics support package.
Missile Features
The export variant of the missile has a range of 290 kilometers (180 miles).
It features a 200 to 300 kilogram (440 to 661 pound) warhead and a speed of Mach 2.8.
It is expected to strengthen the Southeast Asian country’s sea control, anti-access/area-denial, and coastal and island defense capabilities.