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The Philippine Army is reportedly in advanced negotiations with India's BrahMos Aerospace to acquire nine coastal missile batteries, significantly bolstering its defence capabilities.
This procurement, as reported by MaxDefense Philippines, is part of the Integrated Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (ISBASMS) Acquisition Project, a joint initiative of the Philippine Army and Marine Corps.
The ISBASMS project represents an expansion of the earlier Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (LBASMS) Acquisition Project, which initially aimed to acquire two missile batteries. The new project significantly increases the scope, with discussions now revolving around securing nine batteries.
This development follows the Philippines' receipt of its first batch of BrahMos missiles in April 2024, fulfilling a $375 million agreement signed in 2022. This delivery included not only the missiles themselves but also mobile launchers mounted on Tatra 6x6 vehicles and an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package.
Notably, these systems are adapted for the tropical environment of the Philippines and feature two missile launchers per battery, unlike the three-launcher configuration used by India.
Philippine Marine Corps personnel have already undergone extensive training on the operation and maintenance of these systems. The BrahMos missile batteries are now under the command of the Coastal Defence Regiment of the Marine Corps, enhancing the country's defence capabilities along critical coastal areas.
The acquisition of these additional BrahMos batteries is a strategic move to strengthen the Philippines' maritime defence, particularly in the context of ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The BrahMos missile, known for its high speed (Mach 2.8) and precision strike capabilities, provides a significant deterrent and defensive advantage. This move underscores the Philippines' commitment to modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its ability to protect its maritime sovereignty.
