Philippines’ growing interest towards AK AD systems follows its 2022 move to acquire BrahMos missiles to protect itself against Chinese aggressive posturing over maritime claims in South China Sea
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MURALI KUMAR K
Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr’s five-day visit to India will enhance India’s defence cooperation with Philippines which has shown interest in buying the Akash air defence systems that were effectively deployed during the Operation Sindoor.
Philippines’ growing interest towards AK AD systems follows its 2022 move to acquire BrahMos missiles to protect itself against Chinese aggressive posturing over maritime claims in South China Sea. The supply of the next batch of BrahMos missiles systems will begin from December this year.
Ahead of the Philippines President’s visit, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr told a news agency that they are “ordering more equipment and weapon systems from India.”
The deal is expected to be worth $200 million. He also said that the Indian defence equipment are of high quality and not as expensive as the rest of the arms producing countries.
“That’s why it’s good for us to partner with India,” he commented.
Philippines, however, has maintained is still to get two more sets of BrahMos missile systems. It will arrive in the next few years, Brawner said.
The missile deliveries began April last year.
Meanwhile, for the first time the Navies of India and Philippines on Sunday started the two-day joint patrol in the contested South China Sea.
Three Indian vessels, guided by missile destroyer INS Delhi, joined the patrolling in the South China Sea that Beijing is trying to dominate irrespective of international ruling.
Reacting to the patrolling, China accused Manila of “drawing in external countries to stir up trouble” in the South China Sea.
The Philippines has been reaching out to countries to strengthen its defence mechanism against China.
Published on August 4, 2025