India and the Philippines Near a Potential Expanded BrahMos Missile Deal

India is in the closing stages of negotiations to boost its sales of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, Reuters reported on 5 November, citing sources familiar with the talks.

The Philippines is also mulling a deal to buy about five more systems and almost 60 more missiles, valued between US$700 million and US$800 million. That would be significantly larger than the Philippines’ previous US$375 million order for naval versions of its BrahMos missiles.

The Philippines is boosting its military build-up in the South China Sea as tensions continue. The BrahMos system, developed by India and Russia, can be launched from land, ships and aircraft.

Philippine authorities expressed an interest in acquiring more units and provided specifications for system adaptation to the local operating environment. The extended purchase is still under negotiation and should therefore not be called a contract.

The prospective deal would mark a continuation of India’s expanding defence export ties in Southeast Asia.

Why it matters: An expanded purchase could boost India’s standing as a defence exporter and boost strategic ties with the Philippines.

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