SOURCE: AFI

According to reports from MaxDefense Philippines, the Philippine Army is engaging in advanced negotiations with India’s BrahMos Aerospace to procure additional coastal batteries of the BrahMos anti-ship missile. This move is part of the broader Integrated Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (ISBASMS) Acquisition Project, which involves both the Philippine Army and the Marine Corps.
The ISBASMS project is an evolution from the earlier Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (LBASMS) Acquisition Project, which had initially planned for the acquisition of two missile batteries. The new initiative significantly scales up this ambition, with discussions now focused on securing nine missile batteries.
In a significant development, the Philippines received its first batch of BrahMos missiles in April 2024, following a $375 million agreement signed in 2022. This delivery encompassed not only the missiles but also mobile launchers on Tatra 6×6 vehicles and an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. These systems are tailored for the tropical conditions of the Philippines, featuring two missile launchers per battery, unlike the three in the Indian configuration.
Philippine Marine Corps personnel have already undergone comprehensive training for operation and maintenance of these systems. The BrahMos missile batteries are now under the command of the Coastal Defense Regiment of the Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities along critical coastal areas.
This acquisition is part of a strategic effort to bolster the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities, particularly in light of ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The BrahMos missile, renowned for its speed (Mach 2.8) and precision, provides a significant deterrent and defensive advantage.