New Delhi: Extended-Range BrahMos Missile has emerged as a key topic in Indo-Pacific defence cooperation after reports indicated that India has offered the Philippines the newer extended-range version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
The development comes as the Philippine Marine Corps moves closer to achieving full operational capability for its shore-based BrahMos coastal defence batteries, strengthening Manila’s maritime deterrence capabilities in the South China Sea region.
Details of India Philippines Extended-Range BrahMos Missile Deal
India and the Philippines signed a landmark defence agreement in January 2022 worth approximately $375 million for the supply of three BrahMos coastal defence missile batteries.
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The deal marked India’s first-ever export of the BrahMos missile system and one of its biggest defence export contracts.
According to official BrahMos Aerospace information:
- Three BrahMos missile batteries are being supplied.
- The first battery was delivered in April 2024.
- The second battery was delivered in April 2025.
- The final battery is expected to complete the original contract deliveries.
What Is the Extended-Range BrahMos Missile?
The Extended-Range (ER) BrahMos is an upgraded version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile developed by India.
What are the Features of Extended-Range BrahMos Missile
- Supersonic speed of around Mach 2.8.
- Capable of launch from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms.
- Improved range compared to earlier export variants.
- Designed for anti-ship and land-attack missions.
- High accuracy with advanced guidance systems.
India successfully tested extended-range BrahMos variants after indigenous upgrades to the missile’s booster, airframe, and navigation systems.
Philippines Coastal Defence Batteries Near Operational Status
The BrahMos systems are being operated by the Philippine Marine Corps’ Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile Battalion under the Coastal Defense Regiment.
Important developments include:
- Philippine personnel completed training under Indian Navy and BrahMos Aerospace supervision.
- Infrastructure for missile deployment has been developed at coastal locations.
- The first BrahMos battery has already been inducted into service.
- Additional batteries are being integrated to strengthen maritime security.
Defence analysts believe the systems will provide the Philippines with a credible coastal defence capability against hostile naval threats in contested maritime areas.
Why the India Philippines Extended-Range BrahMos Missile Deal Matters
The offer of the Extended-Range BrahMos comes at a time when security concerns in the South China Sea continue to rise.
Strategic Benefits for the Philippines
- Greater maritime surveillance and deterrence.
- Ability to engage hostile vessels at longer distances.
- Enhanced protection of coastal areas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
- Stronger interoperability with regional security partners.
Strategic Benefits for India
- Expands India’s defence export footprint.
- Strengthens strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
- Supports India’s Act East Policy.
- Demonstrates the growing global acceptance of indigenous Indian defence technology.
Read also: Indonesia Chooses BrahMos: What Makes India’s Supersonic Missile System So Powerful?
