Philippines Eyes Five BrahMos Systems and 60 Missiles in Around $800 Million Follow-On Deal With India

India and the Philippines are reportedly close to a second, much larger BrahMos deal. Manila is expected to buy about five BrahMos systems with nearly 60 missiles, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the talks who spoke to Reuters on November 5, 2026. Reports put the value at around $800 million.

If it goes through, it would be more than double the $375 million contract the two countries signed in January 2022. India and the Philippines have not yet officially confirmed the final terms or a timeline.

Key Highlights of the Proposed BrahMos Deal

• Systems: About five BrahMos systems

• Missiles: Nearly 60

• Reported value: Around $800 million

• Previous deal: $375 million (PHP 18.9 billion), signed in January 2022 for three shore-based anti-ship batteries

• Status: Final terms and timeline not yet officially confirmed by either government

What Both Sides Have Said

An Indian source told Reuters that Manila had once again shown interest in about five BrahMos systems, and that the Philippines sees India as a “very reliable partner.”

On the Philippine side, Defence Ministry spokesperson Arsenio Andolong confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to buy more BrahMos missiles. He did not give any further details.

Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro spoke virtually at the Delhi Defence Dialogue on November 5. He said the Philippines hopes to increase the number of BrahMos units it operates.

Manila has also reportedly sent Indian authorities a “wish list” so the system can be adapted to Philippine conditions. It covers road and bridge infrastructure and the logistics of moving and operating the missiles across an archipelago of thousands of islands.

Where the 2022 BrahMos Contract Stands

India is close to finishing deliveries under the first agreement, which covers three shore-based anti-ship missile batteries for the Philippine Marine Corps.

• First battery: Delivered by air in April 2024

• Second battery: Delivered by sea in April 2025

• Third battery: Expected soon, which will complete the contract

Why the Philippines Wants More BrahMos Missiles

The purchase is part of the Philippines’ wider military modernisation, with a strong focus on coastal defence. Manila has overlapping territorial claims with China in the South China Sea, and tensions there remain high.

The Philippines wants better anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) and sea-control capabilities. A2/AD means making it costly and risky for an opponent’s ships to enter or operate in an area. A fast anti-ship missile fired from the coast does exactly that.

BrahMos Missile: Quick Facts

• Developed by: India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, through the BrahMos Aerospace joint venture

• Speed: About Mach 2.8 to 3, making it one of the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles in the world

• Launch platforms: Land, sea and air

• Warhead: Conventional, roughly 200 to 300 kg

• Philippine variant: Shore-based anti-ship version, with a range in line with MTCR guidelines (about 290 km for the original export version)

What This Deal Means for India

The Philippines was the first foreign customer for BrahMos. A follow-on order of this size would be a big boost for India’s defence exports, strengthen India–Philippines defence ties, and make Manila one of the main operators of the missile outside India.