Philippines signs contract to purchase BrahMos missile system

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday and BrahMos Aerospace signed the contract for the acquisition of a shore-based anti-ship missile system worth P18.9 billion.

The contract was signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and BrahMos Aerospace Director General Atul Dinkar Rane.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran was also present during the signing ceremony held at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Equipping our Navy with this vital asset is imperative as the Philippines continues to protect the integrity of its territory and defend its national interests,” Lorenzana said.

“As the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, the BrahMos missiles will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Lorenzana earlier said the deal with BrahMos Aerospace — a joint venture between India and Russia — involves three batteries, training for operators and maintainers as well as logistics support.

The DND said the project was first conceptualized in 2017. — VBL, GMA News