India’s BrahMos supersonic ‘ship killer’ missiles have been delivered to the Philippines, signaling a major shift in the balance of power in the contested South China Sea. This $375 million defense deal equips the Philippines with advanced anti-ship weaponry, directly challenging China’s regional naval supremacy.
The acquisition includes three shore-based BrahMos missile batteries, providing the Philippine military with a formidable offensive and defensive capability. The BrahMos missile’s defining characteristic is its supersonic speed, which allows it to evade detection and interception, delivering a decisive blow to enemy vessels.
This landmark export deal represents India’s emergence as a key player in global defense exports, particularly in advanced missile systems. The move is widely interpreted as a strategic effort by India to foster a coalition of like-minded nations committed to maintaining stability and deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific.
For China, the presence of BrahMos missiles in the Philippines means increased risk for its naval and coast guard operations in the South China Sea. The ability of these missiles to strike from coastal defense sites effectively neutralizes the advantage China has sought to gain through its naval buildup.
Deliveries of the BrahMos systems began in April 2024, with the full complement of three batteries expected to be operational soon. The export variant’s reach of up to 290 kilometers, combined with its supersonic performance and potential multi-platform deployment, creates a significant strategic challenge for Chinese naval planners operating in the region.