For the first time, BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL) displayed at the ADAS event a model of the BrahMos mobile launcher that will be operated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The model of the mobile BrahMos launcher showed the missiles being carried on a Czechoslovakian Tatra 6×6 vehicle and, more importantly, the twin-missile launcher opted for by the Philippines.
BrahMos cruise missile launchers in the Indian armed forces use a three-missile launcher. The jungle pattern camouflage opted for by the AFP is also in evidence in the model displayed.
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be operated by the Coastal Defence Regiment of the Philippine Marines. Speaking to AMR, the director of Market Promotion & Export at BrahMos Aerospace said deliveries are expected to be concluded by next year. He added that there are also plans to replace the imported Tatra vehicle with one of Indian origin. The BrahMos missile features a 440-660 pound (200-300 kilogram) conventional warhead and its high-speed delivers a kill energy nine times greater than conventional subsonic cruise missiles.
The Philippines announced the deal with BAPL in January 2022 for procurement of three missile batteries. The deal valued at an estimated $375 million includes training for operators and maintainers as well as an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. The Philippine requirement for the advanced weapon system was formally conceptualised in 2017. It was approved by the Office of the Philippine President for inclusion in the Horizon 2 Priority Projects in 2020.
Earlier this September, a high-level delegation headed by Major General Yunianto from the National Resilience Institute of Indonesia, had visited BAPL facilities in India and interacted with BAPL CEO and managing director Atul Dinakar Ranade.
BAPL has also been selected by the Indian Navy to supply its Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long Range) in a March 2023 deal worth an estimated $200 million.
by Mike Rajkumar at ADADS, Philippines
