Philippines Explores Acquisition of India's Pralay Missile Following BrahMos Agreement
The Philippines is considering a significant enhancement of its defense capabilities by potentially purchasing the Pralay tactical ballistic missile from India. This development follows its acquisition of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India in 2022, indicating a deepening defense partnership between the two nations.
Reports suggest that Manila is focused on upgrading its military with advanced missile systems to ensure tactical superiority in the contested Indo-Pacific region.
The Pralay missile, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in conjunction with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is a mobile, solid-fuel, canisterised system with a strike range between 150 and 500 kilometers. It can deliver precise strikes using various warhead options, including penetration-cum-blast and runway denial submunitions, with payloads ranging from 350 to 1,000 kilograms.
Classified as a hypersonic missile, Pralay reaches a top speed of Mach 6.1 and follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory with mid-course maneuverability, making it challenging for enemy air defense systems to intercept. It uses an advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS), supported by radar imaging and DSMAC terminal guidance, to ensure high accuracy against fortified or mobile targets.
The missile can be mounted on a 12×12 heavy mobility launcher vehicle, allowing for rapid deployment within 10 minutes and a command-to-launch cycle under 60 seconds, thereby enhancing its responsiveness in conflict situations.
Strategic Impact
For the Philippines, which has already bolstered its maritime deterrence through a $375 million deal for BrahMos, acquiring Pralay would add a complementary land-based strike capability. This would significantly enhance its deterrence posture against potential threats, particularly in the South China Sea.
In a related development, Armenia is also negotiating with India for the Pralay missile, following a defense delegation that reportedly observed its tests in July 2025. Armenia has become one of India's major arms customers, with purchases exceeding $1.5 billion, including systems like Akash-1S missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers, ATAGS howitzers, and Ashwin BMD interceptors.
India’s Defence Export Push
The increasing interest in the Pralay missile highlights India's emergence as a credible global defense supplier under its ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. By equipping strategic partners such as the Philippines and Armenia, India is not only enhancing bilateral defense relations but also strengthening its geopolitical influence in areas where China is expanding its reach.
Should the Pralay deal come to fruition, it would signify a new chapter in India's missile diplomacy, establishing New Delhi as a reliable security partner in both Southeast Asia and the South Caucasus.
