In a move that directly challenges Beijing’s maritime assertiveness, India has supplied the Philippines with advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This $375 million deal, representing India’s first major export of this sophisticated weapon system, equips the Philippines with a potent ‘ship killer’ capable of rapid and devastating attacks on naval vessels. The implications for China’s dominance in the South China Sea are profound.
The Philippines has received three BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile batteries, significantly enhancing its defensive posture. These missiles are renowned for their ability to strike targets at high supersonic speeds, making evasion extremely difficult for enemy ships. The range of the export variant, approximately 290 kilometers, places key maritime routes and potential aggressors within its effective reach. This strategic acquisition underscores the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereign rights.
Analysts interpret this development as a critical component of India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at building partnerships and containing expansionist policies. The delivery of these formidable weapons, with initial phases completed by mid-2025, signals a new era of deterrence in the region. Chinese naval commanders must now account for the significant threat posed by these ‘ship killer’ missiles, deployed from strategic coastal locations by their Philippine counterparts.