International 06 November 2026
India and Philippines Finalize $800 Million Defence Deal for 60 Additional BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles
Why in the News?
India and the Philippines are in the final stages of concluding a major **$700 to $800 million** defence procurement deal, under which Manila will acquire around **60 additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles** (comprising roughly 5 systems/batteries) from India to bolster its coastal security.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Scope & Background of the Deal:
- The proposed order includes approximately 5 BrahMos systems carrying about 60 missiles.
- This follows the landmark 2022 deal valued at **$375 million**, making the Philippines the first export customer of the BrahMos missile system.
- Official Confirmation:
- Philippine Defence Secretary **Gilberto Teodoro** confirmed Manila's intent to acquire additional BrahMos units during his virtual address at the 'Delhi Defence Dialogue'.
- Strategic Context:
- Procurement aims to enhance coastal defence capabilities amidst ongoing maritime disputes and tensions with China in the South China Sea.
- Surge in India's Defence Exports:
- India's defence exports surged by over 62% to reach a record **₹384.24 billion ($4.11 billion)** in the fiscal year ending March.
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Static GK Facts:
- BrahMos Missile System:
- Type: **Supersonic Cruise Missile** (Two-stage, ramjet propulsion).
- Speed: **Mach 2.8 to 3.0** (World's fastest operational supersonic cruise missile).
- Name Origin: Portmanteau of the **Brahmaputra** (India) and **Moskva** (Russia) rivers.
- Developer: **BrahMos Aerospace** (Joint Venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya).
- Republic of the Philippines:
- Capital: **Manila** | Currency: **Philippine Peso (PHP)** | President: **Ferdinand Marcos Jr.**
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which country is concluding a $700-800 million defence deal with India to acquire 60 additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles?
A: The Philippines
Q: The BrahMos missile system is a joint venture between which two countries?
A: India and Russia
Q: What is the speed of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile?
A: Mach 2.8 to 3.0
#BrahMos #IndiaPhilippinesDefence #BrahMosMissile #DefenceExport #DRDO #SouthChinaSea #DefenceCurrentAffairs #StaticGK