First BrahMos Export Order

January 15, 2022

India and Philippines are expected to sign a $374.9 million deal in last week of January 2022, for ‘BrahMos shore-based supersonic cruise missile systems’ supply.

Key Facts

This deal will be signed as part of Philippines’ plan to strengthen its defence amid territorial conflict with China.
The deal would involve an unspecified number of missiles & launchers, payment schedule, spare parts, and delivery & training schedule.
Prior to this, Philippines’ Department of National Defence published a ‘Notice of Award’, asking BrahMos to sign the contract. This means, Philippines has accepted Indian proposal and is now looking to sign the contract.
To sign the deal, an Indian delegation is scheduled to visit Manila. With this deal, first export order for the BrahMos cruise missile will be made, which has a range of 290 km.
This deal is for shore-based variant of anti-ship missile system.
It will help in boosting Philippines’ defence capability, in the backdrop of increasing Chinese aggression.

What was the recent conflict between China and Philippines?

Chinese coast guard ships had blocked and used water cannons on two supply boats of Philippines, in November 2021. The ship was headed to a disputed shoal, that has been occupied by Filipino marines in South China Sea. After this, Philippines government issued a warning that its vessels are covered under Philippines-United States mutual defence treaty.

Philippines Defence Preparedness

In March 2021, India and Philippines signed a key enabling pact, paving way for government-to-government deals on defence equipment, including BrahMos.
In December 2021, budget department of Philippines issued two “special allotment release orders(SARO)”. worth Peso 1.3 billion and Peso 1.535 billion. SARO allows the Department of National Defence of Philippines to finalise contracts for military hardware.

India-Philippines BrahMos deal- Background

India and Philippines had been negotiating for BrahMos for the last few years. However, in December 2020, it hit a roadblock. Philippines cited budgetary limitations due to Covid-19 pandemic. This deal is a part of defence pact signed between both the countries in March 2021.

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