BrahMos missiles                               

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Context: Philippines signed a $374.96-million deal with BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd. for the supply of shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This is the first export order for the missile.

Why Philippines acquired BrahMos?

• As the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, the BrahMos missiles will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine their sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea.
• Tensions have high between Philippines and China over the disputed islands in the South China Sea.
• Manila had accused Chinese Coast Guard of “intimidation and harassment” of its Navy personnel.
• It will help to achieve the objective of a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific.

About BrahMos:

• It is a joint venture between DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
• The missile derives its name from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
• Capabilities: It is capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against surface and sea-based targets and has for long been inducted by the Indian armed forces.
• The range of the missile can be extended to 450 km and 600 km at a later stage.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/philippines-inks-deal-worth-375-million-for-brahmos-missiles/article38338340.ece