India and Philippines Set to Seal $200 Million Akash Missile Deal
- MGMMTeam
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
The Philippines has informed India of its intention to place an order for $200 million worth of domestically developed short-range missiles in the upcoming financial year, amid rising tensions with China, as reported by Reuters. If finalized, this would mark India’s second significant defense export deal with Manila.
The Southeast Asian nation is particularly interested in the Akash missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This surface-to-air missile system, which has a range of up to 25 km (16 miles), was sold to Armenia last year in a $230-million deal. Sources suggest that the sale to the Philippines could surpass the Armenian transaction in value, although the exact number of missiles and accompanying systems, such as radars, involved remains undisclosed.
This potential deal follows India's $375-million sale of mid-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in 2022.
Bharat Dynamics Ltd, the manufacturer of the missiles, was present at last year's Asian Defense and Security Exhibition in Manila. However, neither the company nor the Indian Ministry of Defence responded to requests for comment.
The Philippines' armed forces chief, General Romeo Brawner, mentioned that the country is looking to further modernize its military, including acquiring more BrahMos missiles from India and at least two submarines. He did not, however, mention the Akash missile system.
A spokesperson for the Philippine defense department, Arsenio Andolong, declined to provide specific details regarding any potential deals or procurement plans, but affirmed that the military had expressed the need for such capabilities.
This move comes as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its military in response to escalating tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where both nations have had confrontations in recent years.
India, the world’s largest arms importer, is ramping up domestic production and increasing defense exports to counter China’s growing military power and influence in the region, especially after the 2020 border clash between their troops in the Himalayas.
Comments