Philippines Constructs First BrahMos Missile Base Facing South China Sea

The Philippines is building its first BrahMos anti-ship missile base at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in Zambales, aiming to enhance its defense capabilities amid regional tensions with China.

The Philippines is making significant strides in its defense modernization with the construction of its first BrahMos anti-ship missile base at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in Zambales. Situated strategically to face the South China Sea, this development marks a critical step for the country amid ongoing territorial disputes with China.

In 2022, the Philippines procured three BrahMos missile batteries and technical support for the Philippine Marine Corps Coastal Defense Regiment through a $375 million deal with India. This purchase represents the first international sale of India's supersonic cruise missile system and has reportedly sparked interest from other Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia.

Construction of the BrahMos base began shortly after the deal was finalized. The facilities, though smaller due to reduced missile capacity, are modeled after operational Indian BrahMos bases. The site includes a high-bay facility for maintenance and testing, a sheltered magazine bunker for missile storage, and plans suggest a garage for missile launchers will be added soon.

Located in Western Luzon, the base allows the Philippines to target areas within 290-300 kilometers, including the contested Scarborough Shoal, occupied by China since 2012. The mobile nature of the BrahMos system enhances its flexibility, enabling relocation to different firing positions to evade counterstrikes.

Other potential deployment sites include Camp Cape Bojeador in Ilocos Norte, covering the Luzon Strait, and islands such as Lubang and Calayan, which overlook key maritime access points.

The procurement of BrahMos missiles was strongly supported by former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as a crucial deterrent against threats to Philippine sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Army has also shown interest in acquiring BrahMos systems for coastal defense missions in the future.

To improve operational capabilities with this advanced missile system, the Philippines has engaged in joint exercises with the United States. These drills focus on integrating networks for target identification and executing strikes using a combination of aircraft, artillery, and missiles.

The establishment of this missile base is a significant move in the Philippines' ongoing efforts to enhance its national defense and assert its territorial claims in the region. As construction progresses, the base is expected to play a pivotal role in the country's strategic defense infrastructure.