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Philippines poised for BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile purchase

BrahMos
Indian defense ministry file photo of a ground-based BrahMos test launch

The Philippines Navy is expected to receive BrahMos cruise missiles for a shore-based anti-ship capability according to current plans, the Philippine Navy chief confirmed.

Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo provided further confirmation after the country’s defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the purchase would be facilitated by the recent defense procurement agreement between India and the Philippines.

Speaking to the Philippine News Agency, Vice Adm. Bacordo said the missile was a “perfect option for the shore-based anti-ship missile system.”

He noted that the purchase proposal for a single battery of three systems was already submitted, but still subject to approval from top military leaders.

Philippines has been looking to acquire the system since at least 2016, according to reports. Should the negotiations be successful this time, the Philippines would become the first foreign customer for the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.

Developed in cooperation with Russia and based on the Russian P-800 Oniks cruise missile, BrahMos is in service with all three branches of Indian Armed Forces.