Latest Defence News  

India ,Philippines 

In a significant move aimed at bolstering defense exports, India is set to dispatch the fourth 'battery' of land-based BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. This development comes amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea due to Chinese assertiveness.

Under a USD 375 million deal signed in 2022, India has already provided three 'batteries' of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines. Each battery consists of four launchers, each carrying three missiles with a range of 290 km. These launchers are mounted on mobile platforms to enhance survivability. The BrahMos missile's supersonic speed makes it difficult to intercept by land or ship-based Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems.

With the BrahMos Philippines deal, India's defense exports have surged to ₹21083 crores in the fiscal year 2023-2024, marking a substantial 32.5 percent year-on-year growth. Given BrahMos' proven track record, India anticipates securing more orders for these supersonic missiles in the future.

Meanwhile, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is exploring opportunities to establish a joint venture between Mazagon Dockyards Limited and the French Naval Group. This venture aims to manufacture Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines in Mumbai for export to countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan is currently in France to engage with the Naval Group and the French government on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation. Discussions include the possibility of manufacturing high-tech conventional and non-conventional sub-surface platforms in India under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

While major powers utilize nuclear-powered conventionally armed attack submarines for deterrence and access denial, India is evaluating various options. These include manufacturing similar submarines for long-term maritime security, as well as exploring alternatives like lithium battery, air-independent propulsion, conventional diesel-electric submarines, and underwater armed drones. These proposals are expected to be further refined during the current term of the Modi government.