MANILA- The Philippines will soon receive the second batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, as announced by the country’s Defence Secretary on Wednesday. This will strengthen the Philippines’ coastal defence as tensions with China rise.
The missiles are part of a 2022 deal with BrahMos Aerospace worth $375 million, which includes three missile batteries. The first batch arrived in April 2024. The Defence Secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, said that the country will ensure the missiles are used effectively.
The BrahMos missile has a range of 290 kilometers and can be launched from land, sea, or submarines. It is a key part of the Philippines’ military upgrade.
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This missile delivery comes at a time when the Philippines’ relationship with China is tense. The two countries have had many disagreements over the South China Sea, a region China claims most of, and there have been recent accusations of spying.
Teodoro strongly disagreed with China’s claims that three Filipinos were spying for the Philippines. He said the accusations were unbelievable and questioned why the Philippines would be interested in China’s internal matters. He added that the country’s focus is on China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea, which is the term Manila uses for its exclusive economic zone.
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Teodoro also rejected claims that the Philippines was promoting anti-China feelings. He said that if such sentiments exist, it is because of the actions of the Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping. Teodoro pointed out that China’s behavior has caused hostility, not just around the world, but also within China itself.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not yet responded to Teodoro’s statements.
