India and the Philippines are in the final stages of firming up the sale of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) `Tejas’. A Technical Working Group of the Department of National Defence of the Philippines has been in talks with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the export of the LCA to the ASEAN nation.
Last week, HAL has offered `Tejas’ Mk1A to the Philippine Aerospace Development Corp as a naval strike platform with BrahMos NG missile. And HAL has agreed to help in setting up a local partnership for the assembly of the fighter jets there.
Why?
According to a top official, “The Philippines is also keen on building its own ecosystem in aerospace and defence. They are looking towards India’s support in setting up the facilities there.”
Within a month the first batch of ‘Made in India’ BrahMos missiles is heading towards the Philippines. India is preparing to send ground systems accompanying the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines, and missile deliveries are expected by March of this year. DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat recently revealed that the export procedures are set to commence in February, with the ground systems of the BrahMos Missiles taking the lead.
Last week, a delegation from the Indian defence industry, including representatives from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Ltd, MKU Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited, among others visited Manila to explore potential defence collaborations.
During a defence industry event in Taguig City on February 16, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, highlighted India’s diverse capabilities in naval systems, fighter aircraft, helicopters, attack helicopters, land systems, and artillery systems.
He mentioned that some of these capabilities match the requirements the Philippines is considering for its Horizon 3 acquisitions. As reported previously by Financial Express Online, the Philippines is on the verge of implementing an extensive Peso 2-trillion revised military modernization initiative known as Re-Horizon 3, slated to unfold over the next decade.
Kumaran underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between development programs and national security, acknowledging the resource constraints faced by both India and the Philippines. He expressed optimism about India’s participation in the Philippines’ defence modernization program, citing the successful BrahMos cruise missile deal as a testament to the growing partnership between the two nations.
India’s diverse defence capabilities, including naval systems, fighter aircraft, helicopters, and artillery systems, offer potential synergies with the Philippines’ defence requirements under its Horizon 3 modernization plan. This alignment presents opportunities for collaboration in areas such as joint exercises, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Moreover, the defence industry seminar facilitated business-to-business interactions, paving the way for potential partnerships in defence manufacturing and technology development. India’s willingness to assist the Philippines in enhancing its defence capabilities reflects its commitment to fostering regional stability and security.
He reiterated India’s offer of a soft loan to support the Philippines’ defence modernization initiatives, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries.
The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) stands ready to provide concessional loans to support defence procurements and joint industrial activities, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing the self-reliance of its partner countries in defence manufacturing and technology development.
As both countries navigate evolving security challenges, their partnership is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.
About BrahMos Missile Sale to the Philippines
In January 2022, the Philippines Navy finalized a U$374 million deal with BrahMos Aerospace to procure three missile batteries. Also, the ASEAN country has expressed interest in another Indian Missile System – Akash surface-to-air missile.
BrahMos missiles are produced in India through the collaborative effort of BrahMos Aerospace, where India holds a 50.5% stake, and Russia’s state-owned NPO Mashinostroyenia owns the remaining 49.5%.
Recognised as a robust deterrent against potential threats from China, the 3-ton BrahMos is acclaimed as one of the fastest cruise missiles, boasting a striking range of approximately 450 km. This two-stage precision strike projectile operates on a fire-and-forget principle, achieving a top speed of 2.8 Mach (3,347 km/h) and has the capability to carry a 300 kg warhead.
The arrival of the missile system coincides with heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, leading to increased military confrontations in recent times. These missile systems will strengthen the Philippines Navy’s capacity to protect its sovereign claims in the region.
With one of the longest coastlines globally, deploying these missile units will enhance the country’s overall security. Last year, in February, a group of twenty-one Philippines Marines completed hands-on training in India focused on the operation and maintenance of the BrahMos anti-ship supersonic cruise missile, the contract for which was signed in 2022. BrahMos India hopes to secure a subsequent order of approximately US$300 million from the Philippines, anticipating an acquisition by the Philippines Army for a land-based version of the missile system.
Meanwhile … National Security Advisor Secretary Eduardo M Ano has issued a statement rejecting China’s assertions:
It states that the Philippines stands firm against China’s assertion that joint patrols with US forces in the West Philippine Sea are provocative. “Our collaborations with the United States fall well within our rights as a sovereign nation, dedicated to bolstering maritime security and upholding international law. We categorically dismiss any insinuation from other nations aiming to discredit our lawful and legitimate activities.”
The joint air patrol carried out by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) is a lawful and routine endeavor aimed at fostering interoperability among allied forces and fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint patrols conducted within Philippine territory serve the crucial purpose of fortifying maritime security, fostering regional stability, and upholding international law. These patrols serve to deter illegal activities, safeguard freedom of navigation, and contribute to the protection of shared interests in the region.
International law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), recognizes the sovereign rights of coastal states. It has called upon China to respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights exercised within its territory, in accordance with its national interests and international law.