These missiles are meant for the Philippines Navy

India on Friday signed a $375 million contract with Philippines for the export of the Brahmos Supersonic Missile system. The Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System is meant for the Philippines Navy.

The contract was signed between BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) and the Department of National Defence of the Republic of Philippines.

"The contract is an important step forward for Government of India’s policy of promoting responsible defence exports," the Ministry of Defence said.

The Indian team of BrahMos Aerospace, led by BrahMos CEO Atul D Rane, Deputy CEO Sanjeev Joshi, Lt Col R Negi, and Praveen Pathak, were present at the signing of the deal.

The contract was signed by BrahMos CEO and CMD Rane and Secretary, Deptt. of National Defence, Philippines Delfin Lorenzana.

Media reports had earlier quoted Lorenzana as saying that the Coastal Defense Regiment of the Philippine Marines will be the primary user of this modern strategic defense capability.

BrahMos, which derives it name from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers in India and Russia respectively, is a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPOM to develop next-generation supersonic missiles for the Indian Armed Forces.

The multi-role and multi-platform BrahMos supersonic missile system, which has been described as the fastest in the world, has proved its worth on land and sea as well as air. Different versions of the missile system have been deployed in all three services of the Indian armed forces - Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

It is worth noting that in 2020, India and Philippines had agreed to further strengthen defence engagement and maritime cooperation between the two countries, especially in military training and education, capacity building, regular good-will visits, and procurement of defence equipment.