SOURCE: AFI
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has taken a significant step toward enhancing its coastal defense capabilities with the operationalization of a dedicated BrahMos Missile Storage Facility, as revealed in recent photos circulating on social media. The images, was shared by @oyasumichunmoo
on X, showcase the BrahMos Supersonic Anti-ship Missile System, a cornerstone of the Philippines’ military modernization program. The second batch of these advanced missiles arrived from India in April 2025, marking a milestone in the $375 million defense deal signed in January 2022 between Manila and New Delhi
The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.8 (approximately 3,400 km/h). With a range of 290 kilometers for the export variant, it can be launched from land, sea, air, or submarine platforms, making it a versatile weapon for anti-ship and land-attack roles. The Philippine Marine Corps’ Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) Battalion, part of the Coastal Defense Regiment, operates these systems, which are mounted on mobile autonomous launchers tailored for the Philippines’ tropical terrain.
The newly unveiled storage facility, reportedly located at Naval Station San Miguel in Zambales, Western Luzon, includes a high-bay for missile maintenance and assembly and a sheltered magazine bunker for secure storage. Unlike Indian BrahMos batteries, which feature three launchers per battery, the Philippine variant is customized with two launchers per battery to suit the archipelago’s unique environmental and operational needs. This facility underscores the Philippines’ commitment to integrating advanced weaponry into its defense architecture, particularly in response to escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
The second batch of BrahMos missiles was delivered via sea on April 20, 2025, following the first batch’s arrival in April 2024 via Indian Air Force C-17 and Il-76 transport aircraft. The $375 million contract, signed in 2022, includes three missile batteries, each comprising mobile autonomous launchers, fire-control radar, command-and-control centers, and logistical support vehicles. Each launcher carries two ready-to-fire missiles, enabling rapid salvo launches to engage targets with pinpoint accuracy. The delivery of the second battery reinforces the Philippines’ deterrence posture, particularly against maritime incursions in its 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. confirmed the arrival, emphasizing the need to identify suitable storage and deployment sites to ensure proper utilization. “Now that they’re arriving, we will do what needs to be done to ensure they are used properly,” Teodoro told reporters, highlighting ongoing efforts to prepare infrastructure for the missiles’ deployment. The PMC’s Coastal Defense Regiment, established in August 2020, is the primary operator, with 21 personnel having completed operator training in India in February 2023 under the supervision of BrahMos Aerospace and the Indian Navy.
The BrahMos system’s induction comes at a critical time, as the Philippines faces frequent maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, particularly around Scarborough Shoal, approximately 250 kilometers from the new missile base in Western Luzon. The missiles’ 290-km range and sea-skimming flight path make them a formidable deterrent against naval threats, capable of evading advanced air defense systems due to their speed and low-altitude trajectory. The mobile nature of the BrahMos launchers allows the PMC to reposition them along the coast, enhancing flexibility and survivability against counterstrikes.
The acquisition aligns with the Philippines’ Revised Armed Forces Modernization Program (RAFPMP), specifically Horizon 2, which prioritizes enhancing maritime security. Philippine Army Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. has expressed interest in procuring additional BrahMos batteries for coastal defense, potentially up to nine more under the Integrated Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (ISBASMS) Acquisition Project. This would position the Philippines as the largest foreign operator of the BrahMos system, further deepening defense ties with India.
The BrahMos delivery marks India’s emergence as a credible defense exporter, with discussions underway for potential sales to Vietnam, Indonesia, and the UAE. The Philippines’ adoption of the system not only strengthens bilateral ties with India but also aligns with a broader strategy to diversify defense partnerships beyond its traditional U.S. alliance. As geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill noted, the BrahMos adds a “practical layer of deterrence” for the Philippines, enhancing its ability to counter grey-zone tactics in the Indo-Pacific.
The operational BrahMos facility and the second batch’s arrival signal the Philippines’ growing military assertiveness. With a third battery expected to complete the 2022 contract, and potential plans for further acquisitions, the PMC is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty. As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was briefed on the system’s capabilities, the unveiling of the camouflaged launcher underscores the PMC’s readiness to integrate this game-changing weapon into its coastal defense strategy.
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