Delivery of India’s BrahMos supersonic missile to PH still ‘on track’ – envoy

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 8) Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said the delivery of BrahMos supersonic missile to the country is still on track.

In an interview with CNN Philippines on Tuesday, the envoy did not expound on when the delivery will be made despite previous reports that the missiles will arrive in December.

“We are broadly on track," he said. «I'm not sure if it would be exactly next month but we are on track.»

Kumaran also referred to the statement made by former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on how big of a boost these supersonic missiles will be to the Philippine military.

Lorenzana signed the $375 million (around P21.03 billion) agreement with BrahMos Aerospace in 2022 for three batteries of Brahmos anti-ship missiles.

“Equipping our Navy with this vital asset is imperative as the Philippines continues to protect the integrity of its territory and defend its national interests,” Lorenzana previously said.

The Indian ambassador said that delivery of the BrahMos missile will enhance the defense capability of the Philippines amid current scenarios.

He added that New Delhi is also backing Manila's plan to create a credible and reliable defense posture.

“Secretary Teodoro talked about the need to create capacity within the Philippines for manufacturing of defense equipment and as an important country in terms of defense," Kumaran said. «We understand that it is a logical way to progress with national security.”