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India anticipates finalizing a $200 million missile agreement with the Philippines within this year, according to sources

India is poised to finalize a deal to supply short-range missiles to the Philippines this year, with the contract valued at over $200 million, according to Indian sources cited by Reuters. This marks New Delhi’s second significant defense export agreement with Manila amid escalating tensions with China.

The Philippines has expressed interest in the Akash missile system, developed by India’s defense research organization, and has indicated plans to place an order in the upcoming fiscal year starting in April, as reported by three anonymous sources due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

The surface-to-air missile system, which has a range of up to 25 kilometers (16 miles), was previously sold to Armenia in a $230 million transaction last year. Sources suggest that the deal with the Philippines is anticipated to exceed the value of the Armenian contract, although they did not disclose the quantity of missiles or the associated systems, such as radars.

Bharat Dynamics Ltd, the manufacturer of the missiles, participated in last year’s Asian Defense and Security Exhibition held in Manila. Neither the company nor India’s defense ministry provided immediate comments on the matter. A spokesperson for the Philippine defense department, Arsenio Andolong, refrained from discussing specific details regarding the deal or procurement plans but acknowledged that the armed forces have indicated a need for such capabilities.

The anticipated agreement would follow India’s $375 million sale of the mid-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines in 2022. This acquisition occurs as Manila seeks to enhance its military capabilities amid rising tensions with Beijing over competing claims in the heavily trafficked South China Sea, where confrontations have occurred in recent years.

While India is recognized as the largest arms importer globally, it is increasing its domestic production and expanding defense exports to mitigate China’s military influence in the region, particularly after border clashes in the Himalayas in 2020.

On Wednesday, the chief of the Philippines’ armed forces indicated that the nation aims to procure additional military equipment to modernize its defense inventory, which includes more BrahMos missiles from India and plans for at least two submarines. General Romeo Brawner stated, “We are acquiring more of this (BrahMos system) this year and in the years to come,” although he did not reference the Akash missile system.


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Asif Shahid
Asif Shahidhttps://defencetalks.com/
Asif Shahid brings twenty-five years of journalism experience to his role as the editor of Defense Talks. His expertise, extensive background, and academic qualifications have transformed Defense Talks into a vital platform for discussions on defence, security, and diplomacy. Prior to this position, Asif held various roles in numerous national newspapers and television channels.

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