The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) eagerly await the imminent arrival of the BrahMos cruise missile system from India. According to an inside source, the advanced missiles are scheduled to reach Clark International Airport on Friday, April 19th, and are reportedly intended as a deterrent against escalating regional tensions.
While the AFP and Department of National Defense (DND) have not confirmed the delivery, a source close to the matter, who wished to remain anonymous, asserted that the Indian missile system "[is] confirmed coming in" as a potential countermeasure to "Chinese aggression." Military officials have expressed optimism about integrating this supersonic weaponry into the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) arsenal.
"We cannot comment unless the capability is turned over to us. We will provide details as soon as the equipage is formally turned over to the AFP," stated AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad added, "[We] hope it will be turned over immediately to the AFP for its use."
The BrahMos missile acquisition, initially discussed in 2017 and greenlit by the Office of the President in 2020, is part of the Philippines' military modernization efforts. This push comes amidst ongoing disputes in the West Philippine Sea involving incursions by Chinese vessels.
The $374 million missile system, secured through a government-to-government deal, will bolster the Marine Coastal Defense Regiment. It aims to "provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea."
BrahMos Aerospace describes their missile as having unmatched speed and a range of up to 290 km, making it exceptionally difficult to intercept. The acquisition also includes three missile batteries, training for Filipino personnel, and an Integrated Logistics Support package.
The BrahMos missile system's arrival signifies a major development in the Philippines' ongoing efforts to safeguard its maritime territory. This move comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and underscores the nation's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
