Lorenzana: PH likely to sign BrahMos missiles deal with India in 2020

A mock-up of the land-based variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was displayed at the 2-day capability expo of the Philippine Army in early December. INQUIRER.net/Frances Mangosing

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and India are likely to reach a deal for the BrahMos cruise missiles in 2020, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.

The contract signing for the supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia is seen to happen in the first or second quarter of the year through a government-to-government deal, he told reporters.

Apart from the Philippines, countries like Thailand and Vietnam have reportedly shown interest to purchase the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile – which has yet to see the first foreign country to acquire this capability.

The Philippines is looking to acquire two batteries, Lorenzana said.

The missiles are envisioned to equip the Land-Based Missile System Battery unit activated by the Philippine Army in October.

A mock-up of the land-based version of BrahMos mounted on a truck launcher system was put on display at a two-day defense expo in Taguig City in early December. According to a timeline displayed at the expo, the Army sees the delivery of the equipment by 2024.

A mock-up of BrahMos land-based anti-ship missile was featured at PH Army’s capability expo. Talks are underway w/ India for the possible purchase of 1 battery. The Army activated 1st Land-Based Missile System Battery in October in anticipation of its acquisition. pic.twitter.com/JKREdKEHIW

— Frances Mangosing 🇵🇭 (@FMangosingINQ) December 5, 2019

The missile system, which can be used for coastal defense and ground attack, would boost the Philippines’ firepower capability in the face of territorial threats.

The Philippines and India have stepped up its defense engagements in recent years. In 2017, the two countries signed a defense and logistics agreement.

India “desires of upping our engagements” with the Philippines in many folds, New Delhi ambassador to Manila Jaideep Madumzar said last week at a forum at the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Indian ambassador to Manila Jaideep Madumzar says they are “upping engagements” with the Philippines. Implementing arrangements for the future purchase of defense materiel & equipment are almost finalized pic.twitter.com/hd25cMjXYx

— Frances Mangosing 🇵🇭 (@FMangosingINQ) December 10, 2019

He said a joint defense cooperation committee is set to meet in January.

India is also looking forward to participating in many defense projects of the Philippines.

“Implementing arrangements for the purchase of defense materiel and equipment are almost finalized,” Madumzar said.

Edited by KGA