Philippine Marines Deploy First Indian BrahMos Missile Battery near Disputed Waters

The Philippine Marine Corps has officially received and deployed its first battery of Indian-made BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles.

According to USNI News, the missile battery was showcased during the Marine Corps’ 75th anniversary ceremony and is now based in Western Luzon under the Coastal Anti-Ship Missile Battalion of the Marine Coastal Defense Regiment.

From this position, the Philippines can monitor Chinese vessels operating around the disputed Scarborough Shoal — an area of increasing tension following China’s announcement to designate the shoal as a “national nature reserve.” Philippine officials have condemned the move, warning it would strengthen Beijing’s control in the South China Sea.

The Philippines ordered three BrahMos missile batteries from India in 2022 under a $375 million agreement, with the first delivery arriving in April 2024.

Each BrahMos battery includes two mobile launchers, a radar vehicle, a transport-loader, and a command and control unit. Each launcher carries two BrahMos missiles, while the loader holds four additional rounds. The system allows rapid coastal deployment and engagement of surface targets at extended ranges.

Manila is also reportedly negotiating with New Delhi for the purchase of Akash short-range air defense systems, capable of intercepting high-speed aerial targets up to 30 kilometers away and 18 kilometers high.