India delivers first batch of BrahMos to Philippines

Why in the news?

India has handed over the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines marking a significant step in bilateral defense cooperation.

About BrahMos Missiles

Development:

• BrahMos is a joint venture between the DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
• The name BrahMos comes from the two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.
• The first successful test in 2001 was conducted from a specially designed land-based launcher.

Capabilities:

• BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile.
• Launched from: Submarine, ships, aircraft, or land.
• It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world.
• It has two stages:

1. First stage comprising of a solid fuel rocket booster and
2. Second stage comprising a liquid-fueled ramjet.

Warhead:

• Ship-launched and land-based missiles can carry a 200 kg warhead,
• Aircraft-launched variant (BrahMos A) can carry a 300 kg warhead.

Variants and Range 

• The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, which is being upgraded to Mach 5.0.
• A hypersonic version of the missile, BrahMos-II, is also presently under development with a speed of Mach 7-8 to boost aerial fast strike capability.
• Initially restricted by the Missile Technology Control Regime to a range of 290km, the BrahMos missile’s range was extended to 450km following India’s entry into the regime in June 2016.
• Ongoing efforts aim further to extend the missile’s range beyond 600km, enhancing its operational reach and effectiveness in various scenarios.

Strategic Implications of the move

• This development comes amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China emphasizing the significance of enhancing defensive preparedness.
• The acquisition of BrahMos missiles under Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Programme will bolster the defensive capabilities of the Philippines armed forces.