The Philippine Marine Corps has reached a significant milestone in its military enhancement efforts with the official induction of its first BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile battery. This development positions the Philippines as the first foreign operator of the BrahMos missile system, which is recognized globally as one of the fastest operational cruise missiles in existence. This system has been co-developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.
The newly inducted missile battery was showcased during the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Philippine Marine Corps. It has been deployed within the Coastal Anti-Ship Missile Battalion of the Marine Coastal Defence Regiment, strategically located in Western Luzon. This positioning is critical as it enhances Manila’s capability to deter, and if required, counter hostile naval movements near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, a site that has recently become more contentious due to China’s assertion over the area.
Tensions in the region have been on the rise, especially following China’s announcement declaring the Scarborough Shoal a “national nature reserve”—a declaration that the Philippines has strongly denounced, viewing it as a violation of its maritime sovereignty.
The origins of Manila’s acquisition of the BrahMos system date back to January 2022, with a contract valued at USD 375 million signed between the Philippines and India for three complete shore-based missile systems. The first battery reached the Philippines in April 2024 and was followed by comprehensive training and familiarization efforts led by experts from the Indian Navy and BrahMos Aerospace.
Each coastal battery of the BrahMos system consists of two mobile launchers, a radar vehicle, a command-and-control centre, and a transport loader for additional missiles, equipping the Philippine Marines with rapid mobility and the capability to engage multiple surface threats simultaneously. With an impressive operational range of nearly 290 kilometres and a top speed exceeding Mach 2.8, the BrahMos missile poses a formidable challenge for adversaries, thereby significantly bolstering the Philippines’ deterrent capabilities against potential naval incursions.
Defense analysts note that the deployment of the BrahMos system represents a transformative enhancement of the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities, especially across notable chokepoints in the West Philippine Sea. The speed, precision, and adaptability of the BrahMos are expected to recalibrate the region’s balance of deterrence, reinforcing Manila’s claim to its maritime rights amidst increased assertiveness from China.
In addition to the BrahMos, the Philippines is reportedly discussing the potential procurement of the Akash air defence system from India. This system is designed to intercept high-speed aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, at ranges up to 30 kilometers. Finalizing this deal could further fortify bilateral defense relations and bolster Manila’s coastal defense mechanisms.
For India, the successful induction of the BrahMos into the Philippine defense arsenal highlights its growing reputation as a reliable defense exporter and strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aligns with India’s broader objectives of enhancing regional security through its “Act East” and Indo-Pacific policies.
Looking forward, the Philippines is set to receive two additional BrahMos batteries, progressing towards establishing one of Southeast Asia’s most sophisticated coastal defense frameworks. This initiative could serve as an impetus for other nations in the region to also enhance their deterrent capabilities amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.
