India to Deliver Final Batch of BrahMos Missiles to Philippines

Arrah, Bihar, India — September 12, 2025 : India is set to deliver the third and final batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, completing a significant $375 million defense agreement signed in 2022.

This delivery marks the culmination of a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering the Philippines' coastal defense capabilities amid rising maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The BrahMos missile system, developed by the Indian-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is renowned for its speed and precision. With a range of 290 kilometers and a speed of Mach 2.8, it is capable of targeting both maritime and land-based threats. The Philippine Marine Corps has been integrating these systems into its Coastal Defense Regiment, enhancing its ability to safeguard the nation's exclusive economic zones, including contested areas like the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

The first batch of BrahMos missiles was delivered in April 2024, followed by the second batch in April 2025. According to BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Jaiteerth Joshi, the final batch is prepared for timely delivery, reaffirming India's commitment to fulfilling its defense export obligations. This export solidifies India's position as a reliable defense partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

The BrahMos missile acquisition is part of the Philippines' broader military modernization efforts under its Horizon 2 and Horizon 3 programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the country's defense infrastructure and capabilities, particularly in response to China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. The delivery of the BrahMos system underscores India's "Act East" policy, reflecting its growing defense cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.

In addition to the BrahMos deal, India and the Philippines have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, focusing on defense and trade. This development was highlighted during the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to New Delhi in August 2025, emphasizing the strengthening of defense ties between the two nations.

As the Philippines receives the final batch of BrahMos missiles, the move is expected to serve as a deterrent against potential maritime threats, contributing to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific region. The successful implementation of this defense agreement not only enhances the Philippines' defense posture but also exemplifies India's growing role as a key defense exporter in the global arena.