2024-04-23 15:28:39
Manila: Philippines has described the delivery of BrahMos missile as a game-changer. It believes that this missile will strengthen its coastal security amid increasing tension with China. The first batch of BrahMos cruise missiles ordered from India two years ago arrived at Clark International Airport, north of Manila, on Friday. It was handed over to the Philippine Navy for deployment to an undisclosed location within the country’s archipelagic region. This high profile missile transfer has come at a time when tensions between the Philippines and China are at a peak over the disputed Spratly Islands archipelago in the South China Sea.
America is forced to protect the Philippines
China cedes historical rights to all islands and rocks in the South China Sea. In the process, China claims vast maritime areas, while the Philippines claims areas within its exclusive economic zone and traditional fishing grounds in what it calls the West Philippine Sea. America supports the Philippines in this maritime dispute. The US also has a long-standing treaty with the Philippines, obliging it to defend its oldest ally in Asia if its troops come under armed attack.
BrahMos missile became a gamechanger for Philippines
Philippines Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Malaya described the acquisition as a “significant game-changer”. Speaking to ABS-CBN broadcaster, he said the system will be deployed after the arrival of both parts – missiles and launchers. But Malaya did not elaborate on the delivery schedule. The Philippines had ordered three batteries of the shore-based, anti-ship version of the BrahMos cruise missile from India in a $375 million deal. The BrahMos weapon system is highly versatile, capable of being launched from land, air, sea or undersea against sea or ground targets. The BrahMos missile is the product of a joint venture between India and Russia, with 85 percent of the hardware manufactured in the former.
India becomes a big arms manufacturer and exporter
Pictures show that the missiles were delivered to the Philippines by a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III of the Indian Air Force. This fulfillment strengthens India’s role as a major arms manufacturer and exporter. India has made this supply when it itself has been facing China’s aggression for a long time. Not only this, India has in recent times been seen as a global security provider during the Red Sea crisis. The Indian Navy has saved the lives of dozens of foreign ships and hundreds of sailors.
BrahMos will be used against China, but Russia remains silent
China and Russia have drawn increasingly closer in recent times as part of a joint challenge against the US-led international order. Despite this, India has sold BrahMos missile to China’s enemy Philippines, which has 85% Russian equipment. It is unlikely that Russia would want to veto any export that is against China at the expense of its historically close ties with India. This is why India is in talks with every potential buyer who can purchase the BrahMos missile.