India is set to fulfil its commitment to Philippines by delivering BrahMos missiles in march
Cabinet Committee on security has given its approval for the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles along with related systems. This move is expected to cost approximately Rs. 19,000 crore and would enable Indian warships with advanced weaponry.
According to sources ,BrahMos missiles will come in two variants: one with a striking range of 290 km and another with an extended range nearly reaching 500 km . The contract for this acquisition is to be finalised before the of the financial year 2023-24 end.
Notably, the BrahMos missile holds the title of the world’s fastest cruise missile, with speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times the speed of sound. Versatility is another key feature, as BrahMos variants can be launched from land, air, and sea, making them a formidable asset across all branches of the Indian armed forces.
India is set to fulfill its commitment to the Philippines by delivering BrahMos missiles in March, marking the culmination of a deal valued at almost $375 million. Signed two years ago, this agreement equips the Philippine Marines with three batteries of BrahMos missiles, marking the first export order for this advanced weapon jointly developed by India and Russia.
After successful deployment of missiles to Philippines , India has set ambitious targets for defence exports, aiming to achieve Rs. 35,000 crore by 2024-25. Recent milestones include an export order worth $155.5 million secured by Indian defence firm Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited. This order, is to be completed by 2025, involves supplying artillery guns to Armenia, marking the first time a local company has secured an order for the 155 mm weapon system. Also, Armenia’s decision to purchase the Pinaka rocket system from India shows the growing international demand for Indian defence technologies.
Beyond bilateral agreements, India’s capabilities in developing indigenous defence equipments is attracting interest from countries across South America, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. This widespread interest highlights the global recognition of India’s capabilities in manufacturing advanced weapons and systems.
Moreover,Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has advocated for the development of a smaller version of the BrahMos missile tailored for fighter jets such as the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and the indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas. Emphasising the effectiveness of such weaponry in land attacks, this call for innovation underscores India’s commitment to continually enhance its defense capabilities.
