New Delhi, 6 November 2026: Amidst the ever-increasing military tension with China in the South China Sea, the Philippines has taken a major step towards strengthening its maritime security and coastal defense capability. Talks between India and the Philippines regarding the additional purchase of 'BrahMos' supersonic cruise missile system have now reached the critical stage. According to sources, the Philippines can purchase 5 additional BrahMos missile systems and about 60 missiles under a potential contract worth approximately $700 to 800 million (Rs 6,200 to 7,100 crore).
This new agreement proposed between India and the Philippines will be much larger in size than the first BrahMos agreement of $375 million signed in the year 2022. At that time the Philippines had purchased Brahmos for its navy. Now, through new purchases, Manila wants to further strengthen the protection of its coastal areas and the maritime patrol system. The Philippines is intensifying its military preparedness in view of China's expansionist stance and continuous military movements in the South China Sea. According to Philippines Defense Ministry spokesman Arsenio Andolong, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously expressed interest in purchasing additional BrahMos. Apart from this, during the Delhi Defense Dialogue, Defense Secretary of Philippines Gilbert Teodoro also shared the list of his operational requirements with the Indian side, so that the missile system can be prepared as per their requirement.
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'Brahmos': India's growing strategic strength globally
BrahMos, developed in a joint venture between India and Russia, is ranked among the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. This missile, which has a speed of 2.8 to 3 Mach, can be launched from land, sea and sky and has the ability to accurately destroy enemy warships and land targets. India's defense export graph is also increasing rapidly. India's defense exports will grow by more than 62 percent in the financial year 2025-26 to reach Rs. Record level of Rs 38,424 crore has been reached. Apart from the Philippines, agreements have also been signed with Indonesia and Vietnam regarding BrahMos, while negotiations are going on with countries like UAE, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil.
This supply of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines in Indo-Pacific capability is not just a commercial defense deal, but it signals a changing balance of power in the South China Sea. India's aggressive defense export policy and the growing military strength of the Philippines will make strategic maneuvering in the region more complex for China.