Summary
The Philippines has deployed its first battery of Indian-made BrahMos missiles in Luzon, near the South China Sea, to protect its territorial claims. This move aims to deter Chinese influence in contested areas like the Scarborough Shoal. The deployment comes amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial rights in the region.
Key Facts
- The Philippines installed its first BrahMos missile battery in western Luzon, facing the South China Sea.
- The BrahMos missile can hit targets up to 180 miles away, including contested areas like the Scarborough Shoal.
- China claims much of the South China Sea, including parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
- The BrahMos missiles are a joint development by India and Russia and mark the first export of this system to another country.
- The Philippines received the first batch of BrahMos missiles in 2024 as part of a $375 million deal.
- Tensions between China and the Philippines have been high since incidents like a naval collision and territorial claims by China.
- The Philippines continues its military modernization to shift its focus from internal to external threats.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence in the BrahMos system and plans to procure more missiles.
