Context
The most recent handover of Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles built by India to the Philippines can be considered as a remarkable development in defence cooperation between the two countries. This scenario draws light to how the cooperation in the defence and security domain between India and the Philippines is maturing.
BrahMos Missile: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare
- The BrahMos missile is a joint venture between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.
- The type of supersonic cruise missile is the one which has speeds reaching up to Mach 3 (around 2300 mph) making it one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world.
- The missile can be with a travel distance more than 290 km or 180 miles and this may be done from ships, submarines, or including the use of the land-based platforms.
Key Features of BrahMos Missiles
- Long-Range Capability: The missiles are able to fly over 290 km (180 miles), which gives them an opportunity to hit objects roughly at a hundred miles away.
- Multi-Platform Capability: BrahMos missiles of this category, a type of cruise missile, can be launched from ships, submarines and static platforms of land.
- Precision Strike: The missiles are equipped with sophisticated guidance systems and they are able to do this in a very precise way.
- Anti-Ship and Land-Attack Capabilities: BRAHmos missiles are capable of engaging both sea and land-based targets. Highly adaptive and varied, it makes a system and weaponry.
Implications of the Deal
- Strengthening Defence Ties: The sale of BrahMos highlights the growing trade cooperation between India and the Philippines in the sphere of defence.
- Enhancing Philippine Navy Capabilities: The addition of BrahMos missiles to the Philippine Navy is the main reason why the Navy’s combat skills have become very strong nowadays.
- Deterrence in the Region: Procurement of the D-Rak missiles into the Philippines carries a clear signal to the foes who are in the region.
- Boost to Bilateral Relations: This agreement is a clear manifestation of how an India – Philippines relationship is developing solidly and would be the foundation for future endeavours in other areas.
Background of the Deal
- Initial Agreement: Signing of an initial collaboration contract for BrahMos missiles between the Philippines and India took place in 2020.
- Delivery and Training: The delivery of the first missile batch was started in 2022 and with it the Navy training for the Filipino citizens.
- Future Plans: The Philippines is projected to receive additional BrahMos missiles in the future, and plans call for incorporating them into its ships and ground-based launchers.
Conclusion
The missile transaction with India by the Philippines is a landmark in bilateral defence relations between the two nations. The deal supports defence and navy strengthening, develops the main navy units, and finally comes after establishing the superiority philosophy. With these going hand in hand the cooperation should be expected along the regional security and its stability. The supersonic speed Brah-Mos missile with its precision strike capability is a game-changer in modern warfare and its being in the Philippines gives a possible chance to improve the defence capability of the country.
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. The delivery of Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines is a significant event in the defence relations between the two countries. Which of the following statements is true regarding this development?
a. The BrahMos missile system is a joint venture between India and China.
b. The missiles were delivered as part of a defence agreement valued at over $500 million.
c. The BrahMos missile is capable of being launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
d. The delivery signifies the first time India has exported defence equipment to another country.
Ans – “c”
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