Manila is set to acquire the Indian Brahmaputra and Russian Moskova (Brahmos) missile system, worth $374.96 million, in early 2024. The acquisition will strengthen the Philippines’ naval capabilities and protect its sovereignty in the contested West Philippine Sea.
In 2022, the Philippines confirmed the acquisition of the BrahMos ballistic missiles, becoming the first foreign nation to acquire such a powerful weapon. The Philippines will join Indonesia and Vietnam in the maritime Southeast Asia region. The acquisition of the BrahMos missile system signifies a significant leap in the Philippines’ military capability and deterrence capacity against Chinese aggression and frequent coast guard collisions at sea.
The system is renowned for its speed, precision, and versatility, and its acquisition by the Philippines holds the promise of enhancing its deterrence against potential threats, particularly in the contested South China Sea. However, the financial implications of acquiring and maintaining such a state-of-the-art defense system must be thoroughly examined, as the cost of procuring and integrating these missiles into the Philippines’ defense infrastructure presents a significant challenge.
The Philippines is investing heavily in the procurement of BrahMos missiles, a new and advanced weapon, as part of its military modernization efforts. The high cost and complexity of these missiles require a significant portion of the country’s defense budget, and ongoing maintenance, training, and infrastructure development are also required.
The acquisition could potentially alter regional power dynamics, affecting diplomatic relations and potentially enhancing Manila’s external defense capabilities. As an emerging regional middle power, the impact of BrahMos missiles could enhance Manila’s external defense capabilities. However, these expensive assets may not fit into the armed forces’ joint warfighting concept.
Despite the financial burden and diplomatic intricacies, investing in the BrahMos missile system is a credible risk, offering tangible benefits for the Philippines’ defense strategy. The missiles’ unparalleled speed and accuracy could serve as a deterrent, frightening potential aggressors and bolstering the country’s defensive capabilities.
The acquisition of BrahMos missiles as public investment could strengthen alliances with countries with similar defense systems in the region. Collaborative training programs and interoperability could improve the Philippines’ defense posture, contributing to regional stability.
Decision-makers must weigh the financial investment against the security and strategic advantages of these missiles. Alternative defense strategies, such as pooling resources to modify the Landpower Maneuver Concept and enhancing integrated air defense systems, should be explored to complement the acquisition of the BrahMos system.
The Philippines calls for a re-thinking of its national defense strategy to achieve effective national security. Striking a balance between strengthening national security and prudent financial management is crucial in navigating its external defense strategy in a region with geopolitical complexities.
