Arya News - In a special address delivered via videoconference at the 3rd Delhi Defence Dialogue on Wednesday, Teodoro said that Manila wanted to expand its existing BrahMos capability as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s external defence.
MANILA – The Philippines is seeking to acquire more BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India and has submitted a list of proposed modifications to make the weapons better suited to the country’s geography and infrastructure, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.
In a special address delivered via videoconference at the 3rd Delhi Defence Dialogue on Wednesday, Teodoro said that Manila wanted to expand its existing BrahMos capability as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s external defense.
“We hope to increase the number of BrahMos units we have, and we have shared also a wish list on the BrahMos to the Indian authorities in order to make it more tailor-fitted for the Philippine environment,” Teodoro said.
He cited the country’s less durable roads and bridges, and the logistical challenges of transporting the missile systems between islands.
New deal?
According to the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, the ground-launched BrahMos missile weighs about 3,000 kilograms, excluding its mobile launcher and other support equipment.
Teodoro did not specify how many additional units the Philippines was seeking or whether a new acquisition deal was being negotiated.
The Philippines signed a P18.9-billion contract with India’s BrahMos Aerospace in January 2022 for three shore-based antiship missile batteries intended for the Marine Corps.
The agreement, signed by then Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, also covered training for personnel and logistical support.
Threats
Lorenzana said at the time that the acquisition would strengthen the country’s ability to deter threats to its sovereignty and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
The first batch of BrahMos missiles arrived in April 2024, followed by a second shipment in April 2025.
In August 2025, President Marcos said the country was already in the process of procuring additional BrahMos missiles following feedback from military personnel operating the system.
The missiles, which can travel at nearly three times the speed of sound, are designed to strike enemy ships and strengthen the country’s coastal defense capabilities.
Teodoro described the Philippines’ acquisition of the Indian-made weapons as a reflection of New Delhi’s confidence that Manila would use them responsibly.
“We are very proud to be the first foreign country to be able to acquire and have the BrahMos,” he said.
Beyond the BrahMos missiles, Teodoro said the Philippines was exploring further defense technology cooperation with India, including ground-based air defense systems and other rocket and missile capabilities.
Cooperation in space technology, particularly in satellite development and testing, was also being eyed, he added.
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