New Delhi:

India on Friday delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022.

The Indian Air Force sent a US-made C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft carrying missiles to the Philippines to deliver the weapon system to the Philippine Marine Corps.

#watch | India today delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines. The two countries signed an agreement worth $375 million in 2022. pic.twitter.com/CLdoxiChb5

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Indian officials presented sweets to Philippine Marine Corps officers during the delivery of the BrahMos missile.

#watch | Indian officials presented sweets to Philippine Marine Corps officers for delivering BrahMos missiles to the Philippines as part of an export order worth $375 million. pic.twitter.com/qzhLsMxOLu

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Exports of ground systems and missiles for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system began last month. This is the first time India has delivered BrahMos missiles to a foreign country.

The Philippines is receiving the missile system as tensions between the Philippines and China escalate over frequent clashes in the South China Sea. The Philippines will deploy three batteries of the BrahMos missile system along its coast to guard against any threats in the area.

The deal has received multiple approvals from the program’s partner countries.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a joint venture between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the NPO Mashinostroyeniya of the Russian Federation and is said to be one of the most successful missile projects in the world. BrahMos is considered the most advanced and fastest precision-guided weapon in the world and has played a key role in enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities.

The Indian Army has included several BrahMos regiments in its arsenal since 2007.

The first stage of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile uses a two-stage solid propellant booster engine that enables it to reach supersonic speeds. The second stage is a liquid ramjet engine that brings the speed close to Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) during the cruise phase.

The BrahMos missile is suitable for multiple platforms and can be launched from air, land and sea platforms. The missile follows a “fire and forget” principle, meaning it requires no further guidance after launch and maintains hypersonic speeds throughout its flight. The missile’s radar signature is said to be low.