Philippine Marine Corps Prepares BrahMos Missile for Live Fire Demonstration

Philippine Marine Corps Prepares BrahMos Missile for Live Fire Demonstration

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has signaled strong approval of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, as reported by sources familiar with BrahMos Corporation. Beyond praising the capabilities of the weapon itself, the PMC has lauded the comprehensive training programs and support facilities provided by India. Key to the PMC’s satisfaction is the thorough training received by Filipino personnel in India, ensuring they are proficient in operating and maintaining the BrahMos system. This preparation is seen as crucial for maximizing the system’s effectiveness in potential military operations. The PMC is reportedly preparing for a significant demonstration of its new capabilities by planning a live-fire drill involving the BrahMos system in the coming months. This exercise is intended not only to showcase the Philippines’ enhanced military capabilities but also to underscore its commitment to regional security.

The BrahMos system offers training rounds specifically designed for simulation purposes, enabling realistic drills without the need to expend actual missiles. This approach ensures that PMC personnel are well-prepared for live-fire scenarios when required. Anticipation for the live-fire drill extends beyond the Philippines, with regional observers expected to closely monitor the event. It is viewed as a clear statement of the Philippines’ bolstered defense posture and its readiness to leverage advanced military technology to safeguard its territorial integrity. The successful integration of the BrahMos system into the PMC’s arsenal marks a significant milestone in the deepening defense ties between India and the Philippines. This collaboration is anticipated to play a pivotal role in promoting stability across the region in the foreseeable future.

The first batch was transported on an Indian Air Force aircraft that landed in Philippines. (Photo by Indian Air Force – Media Co-ordination Centre)

The BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft or TEL. It is a joint venture between the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace. The missile is based on P-800 Oniks. The name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia. The land-launched and ship-launched versions are already in service. An air-launched variant of BrahMos which can be fired from the Su-30MKI appeared in 2012 and entered service in 2019. In 2016, as India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), India and Russia are now planning to jointly develop a new generation of BrahMos missiles with an 800-kilometer range and an ability to hit protected targets with pinpoint accuracy. Plans are to eventually upgrade all Missiles to a range of 1,500 km.

In 2021 December 31, BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd’s representatives received the Notice of Award (NOA) for the project worth US$374,962,800. A contract was signed on 28 January 2022. It includes at least 3 batteries as part of the agreement. A battery will have at least 3 mobile firing units, plus attached command and control, radar, and support vehicles and units. Each mobile firing unit has 3 ready-to-fire BrahMos anti-ship supersonic missiles, with the export variant having a maximum range of around 290 kilometers. The batteries will be operated by the Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) Battalion of the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment. Philippines Marine Corps personnel has also completed their mandatory operator training under the supervision of BrahMos Aerospace and the Indian Navy. On 19 April 2024,Indian Prime Minister Modi announced the first units of the BrahMos Missile Systems were delivered to the Philippine Marine Corps via Indian Air Force’s C-17 and Il-76 transport aircraft