At the end of last week, the Philippine Marine Corps unveiled its new Indian-made BrahMos anti-ship missile battery for the first time, thus marking an important step in the modernization of coastal defense capabilities with long-range and precision systems. Specifically, the event took place during the celebrations for the institution’s 75th anniversary, a context in which a video was recorded highlighting the work they have been carrying out for the aforementioned purpose and their plans for the future, at a time when Manila is concerned about China’s growing naval activity in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to what the Philippine Marine Corps itself has stated, the first of the new BrahMos batteries will be deployed in the western region of Luzon island, a strategic point for naval transit in the Indo-Pacific that will now be covered by the system, whose range is estimated at around 290 kilometers. As such, its operational use will be handled by units belonging to the Anti-Ship Missile Battalion of the Coastal Defense Regiment, according to the information currently available.
In this regard, it is worth recalling that in 2022 the Philippines moved forward with the purchase of three coastal defense batteries to reinforce its capabilities, in an agreement concluded with India in exchange for about 375 million dollars; being, in turn, the first time New Delhi was able to finalize a sale of the system in question to international customers. Each of the acquired batteries will have two mobile launchers, a reloading vehicle (with up to four additional missiles), a command-and-control vehicle, and finally, one equipped with radars that facilitate the detection of naval targets within missile range.
On the other hand, reports indicate that in preparation for the upcoming deployments of the remaining batteries, the Philippine Marines are working on establishing a base located in Ilocos Norte, a key location in the northeast of the country that would allow broader coverage over the Luzon Strait. According to former Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the deployment of the BrahMos “will provide a deterrent effect against any attempt to undermine our sovereignty and our sovereign rights.” It is also useful to keep in mind, as mentioned earlier, that the country is thinking particularly about the threat posed by China and its most recent claims over Scarborough Shoal, disputed by Manila and Beijing.
Finally, it is worth noting that the purchase and incorporation of new anti-ship missiles is not the only project the Philippines has underway to strengthen its missile defense capabilities. In this sense, it is necessary to mention that Manila intends to add a significant number of multiple-launch rocket system batteries and batches of munitions to use with them, which, together with additional coastal battery acquisition projects, amount to a total investment exceeding 7 billion dollars. Moreover, the country plans to make major purchases of coastal surveillance sensors, as well as platforms normally used for tasks associated with the logistics of expeditionary forces; all of which forms part of the Marine Corps’ Strategic Plan 2040.
*Image credits: Philippine Marine Corps – RTVM
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