Philippines to Acquire ⁢More BrahMos Missiles from India Amidst Rising Regional Tensions

NEW DELHI -​ President Ferdinand R.⁤ Marcos Jr.‍ announced teh⁢ Philippines is moving forward with the procurement of additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from⁢ India, ​bolstering the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization efforts adn ‌strengthening its regional defence capabilities. The announcement came during the President’s five-day state visit to India, focused on deepening strategic and economic ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening Defense cooperation with India

President Marcos revealed the decision following positive feedback⁤ from‌ Filipino military personnel who have trained with and operated the BrahMos system. “I’ve spoken to the officers and men ⁣who ⁣operate the BrahMos system and they say we need more,” he stated⁢ in a televised interview with India’s Firstpost. “From the demonstrations that they’ve seen, from the training they received both in India and the Philippines, from the practice runs that‍ they’ve done, they seem confident with the equipment… We ⁢are in the process of actually procuring more.”

The Philippines initially received its first BrahMos missile battery from ⁢India in April 2024, fulfilling a USD375 million deal signed in 2022. This⁣ initial​ agreement included ​three​ batteries, comprehensive training for operators and ‌maintenance ⁤personnel,‌ and essential logistical support.

This increased defense‌ cooperation‍ signifies a strategic elevation of ties between the Philippines ‍and India, formalized during ⁣the‌ recent meeting between the two leaders. The partnership ‌extends beyond missile acquisitions⁢ to encompass broader​ defense and maritime cooperation initiatives.

Not⁣ Preparing for​ War,But Ready to ⁣Defend

Despite the significant ⁤investment in military modernization,President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines is not actively preparing for war. “We are not girding up for war,” he clarified. “we are simply reacting to the challenges that we are facing…the tensions have increased in the past years and so this is⁢ just the reaction to that. We have to do it. This is our duty-to defend the country.”

The President underscored⁢ the necessity of upgrading military equipment, such as ‍the BrahMos‍ system, to ensure technical interoperability with key defense partners like India. This‌ interoperability is crucial ⁣as joint ‍training exercises and maritime cooperation​ become increasingly⁤ frequent. ‍He highlighted ⁣the recent presence ​of four Indian vessels in the South China ⁢Sea,⁤ including a research vessel docked in the Philippines and three participating in exercises with the Philippine Navy, as evidence of this growing collaboration.

Addressing Maritime Disputes in the West Philippine Sea

The move to⁢ acquire more​ BrahMos missiles ⁤comes amid escalating maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Chinese vessels ⁣have repeatedly infringed upon Philippine sovereign rights, engaging in aggressive actions such as ramming, harassment, and obstruction of Filipino vessels,​ notably near Ayungin Shoal. The BrahMos missile system is seen as a key component in bolstering the Philippines’​ ability to defend its territorial claims and protect its‍ maritime interests.

India’s defense Industry: A⁣ Key Partner for the Philippines

President Marcos lauded India’s rapidly expanding⁣ defense industry, describing its technology ⁢as “second‍ to none.” He confirmed that the Philippines is actively evaluating further potential acquisitions‌ beyond the BrahMos system.

“Everything is on the table right now,” he stated, emphasizing india’s⁢ defense technology as a primary consideration in the Philippines’ future procurement plans. The Philippines is seeking to diversify its ⁤defense partnerships and enhance its ‍overall military capabilities through collaboration with India. This strategic partnership ⁢offers the Philippines⁢ access ⁣to advanced defense technologies and strengthens its position in the Indo-Pacific region.

(PCO photo)