PH eyes additional BrahMos missile systems—Teodoro

MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed the Philippines’ intention to acquire additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India, while seeking modifications to make the system more suitable for the country’s geographic and infrastructure conditions.

Speaking at the 3rd Delhi Defense Dialogue via video teleconference on Wednesday, Teodoro said the Philippines is proud to be the first foreign country to acquire the BrahMos missile system, describing the deal as a demonstration of India’s trust in Manila.

He said India’s decision to provide the Philippines with the capability reflected its confidence that the country would use the system responsibly and only for defensive purposes consistent with international law.

“That being said, we hope to increase the number of BrahMos units we have, and we have shared also a wishlist on the BrahMos to the Indian authorities in order to make it more tailor-fitted for the Philippine environment,” Teodoro noted.

The defense chief explained that the Philippines faces logistical challenges in deploying and transporting the missile system because of its archipelagic geography and limitations in infrastructure.

“Given the fact that our roads are less durable and bridges are less durable than India’s, we don’t have any rolling stock or any active railroad, and it is also a challenge to transport it between and amongst, let’s say, about one to two thousands out of the 7,600 islands when you need it,” he said.

The Philippines signed an P18.9-billion contract with India in 2022 for the acquisition of three batteries of the BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile system.

The first batch of BrahMos missiles arrived in April 2024, followed by a second shipment in April 2025.

The BrahMos is an “intelligent unmanned rocket” that has a range of 290 kilometers to 400 kilometers and a velocity of Mach 2.8 or about three times faster than the speed of sound. It can be launched from ships, submarines, planes and land platforms.

Teodoro identified defense technology cooperation with India as a key component of the Philippines’ efforts to build a credible deterrent posture amid security challenges in the region.

He also cited potential cooperation in ground-based air defense systems, rocket and missile systems, and space technology, including satellite acquisition.