Philippines Enhances Coastal Defence with Induction of BrahMos Missiles in Strategic Maritime Region
The Philippine Marine Corps has ushered in a new era of military enhancement and regional defense by officially inducting its first BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile battery. This induction positions the Philippines as the first international operator of the BrahMos missile system, renowned for being one of the fastest cruise missiles worldwide, co-developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.
The missile battery, showcased during the 75th anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps, is now part of the Coastal Anti-Ship Missile Battalion within the Marine Coastal Defence Regiment in Western Luzon. Situated strategically near the West Philippine Sea, the deployment of the BrahMos unit strengthens Manila’s deterrence capabilities against potential hostile naval operations in the contentious area near Scarborough Shoal.
This deployment coincides with rising tensions after China's recent proclamation of the Scarborough Shoal as a “national nature reserve,” a move the Philippines firmly opposes, viewing it as an infringement on its maritime sovereignty.
The Philippines' acquisition of the BrahMos was formalized in January 2022 through a USD 375 million agreement with India for three complete shore-based missile systems. The initial battery arrived in April 2024, followed by comprehensive operator training and system familiarization led by experts from the Indian Navy and BrahMos Aerospace.
Each BrahMos coastal battery comprises two mobile launchers, a radar vehicle, a command-and-control center, and a transport loader for additional missiles. The setup allows each launcher to carry two missiles ready for immediate deployment, ensuring rapid coastal mobility and the capability to target multiple surface threats concurrently. With a range close to 290 kilometers and a speed surpassing Mach 2.8, the BrahMos is highly challenging to intercept, providing the Philippine Marines with a robust defense against aggressive naval actions.
Defense analysts indicate that this deployment considerably enhances the Philippines' maritime defense capacity, especially in the critical areas of the West Philippine Sea. The system's speed, precision, and operational flexibility are expected to alter the regional deterrence dynamics, bolstering Manila’s stance against assertive activities by China.
In addition to the BrahMos, negotiations are underway between the Philippines and India for the procurement of the Akash air defense system, capable of intercepting high-speed aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, up to a distance of 30 km. If concluded, this agreement would strengthen the defense collaboration between the two nations and broaden Manila's coastal defense framework.
For India, the successful export and operationalization of the BrahMos marks a significant step in establishing itself as a credible defense exporter and strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative is in line with New Delhi's broader objectives of fostering regional security through its “Act East” and Indo-Pacific outreach strategies.
With two additional BrahMos batteries anticipated for delivery, the Philippines is on course to create one of Southeast Asia's most sophisticated coastal defense systems, potentially encouraging other regional countries to enhance their deterrent measures amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
