Delhi, 19 April (H.S): On Friday, India will officially hand over the initial shipment of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, marking a major milestone in their defense partnership. This delivery comes more than two years after the two countries finalized a USD 375 million agreement for the purchase of the missile systems.

A military transport plane from the Indian Air Force will transport the missile and its launchers to the Philippines, where they will be received by the country's naval forces. The contract, which was signed in January 2022, includes the supply of three batteries of the BrahMos missiles. This delivery marks a significant moment for India as it is their first export of the BrahMos missile, showcasing their advanced defense capabilities to the world. This successful export also highlights the growing interest of other nations, such as Argentina, in acquiring these highly sought-after missiles from India. The BrahMos missile is manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between India and Russia.

These supersonic cruise missiles can be launched from various platforms including submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms, making them a versatile and highly effective weapon system for any nation's defense arsenal. This delivery is a testament to the strong defense ties between India and the Philippines and sets a positive precedent for potential future partnerships in this field.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Indrani Sarkar