First ever missile export from India! After ASEAN nation, next could be UAE

Export of the Indo-Russian BrahMos Missile to the Philippines is confirmed. Once the contract is inked before the month ends, India will be joining the elite group of countries which export missiles to other countries. On Friday (January 14, 2022), Philippines accepted a proposal of Indian BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd. for a shore-based anti-ship missile system for its navy. The proposal is worth $375 million.

Secretary of National Defence of Philippines, Delfin Lorenzana puts it out on Social Media Platforms. He announced the signing ‘Notice of award’ for the purchase, and the contract is expected to be signed very soon. “The ‘Notice of Award’ includes the delivery of three batteries, training for operators and maintainers. As well as the necessary Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package.”

According to his post, this was conceptualised as early as 2017. And, in 2020, the Office of the President approved its inclusion in the Horizon 2 Priority Projects. BrahMos Missile from India is going to be part of the coastal defence regiment of the Philippine Marines. The contract was delayed due to the budgetary constraints of that country as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of National Defence of Philippines, their equivalent of Ministry of Defence, too have confirmed the notification and a copy of the notice of award signed by Mr Lorenzana.

The letter informs about the proposal of BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd, for the shore based anti-ship missile system acquisition project for the Philippine Navy, “with a corresponding price proposal in the amount of $374,962,800 is hereby accepted.” Through the letter it has directed the company to “You are hereby directed to provide, within 10 calendar days from receipt of this notice, the performance security in the form and amount stipulated in the terms of reference.”

As reported earlier, the Philippines has become the first country in the ASEAN region to acquire the Indian missile, negotiations for which were going on for almost five years, before the government of that country took a decision. There are other countries from the region who are in discussion with the Ministry of Defence for buying BrahMos Missile from India.

Discussions with UAE for the sale of the BrahMos is in advanced stages. As reported earlier, the Gulf nation was among the first from that region expressing interest in buying the BrahMos Missile and had also expressed interest in the indigenous Akaash Missile. Another country from the region which has shown interest is Saudi Arabia and the discussions were put on hold due to the COVID situation. During the visit of the Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane to both countries, the export of BrahMos and other military platforms was part of the discussions.

Among the ASEAN member countries, discussions are going on with Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.South American nations like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina too have been identified as some countries in the region which have been in talks with the Indian Ministry of Defence for the BrahMos. And South Korea, South Africa, and Egypt, too are interested.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/first-ever-missile-export-from-india-after-asean-nation-next-could-be-uae/2407367/