In the first export order for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, Philippines has approved a $374.96 million contract for the purchase of shore based anti-ship variant of the missile from India, while discussions are ongoing with few other South East Asian counties. Secretary of National Defence of Philippines, Delfin Lorenzana has signed the ‘Notice of award’ for the purchase, the contract for which is expected to be signed very soon.
“As head of procuring entity (HOPE), I recently signed the Notice of Award for the Philippine Navy shore-based anti-ship missile acquisition project. Negotiated with the Government of India, it includes the delivery of three batteries, training for operators and maintainers as well as the necessary Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package,” Mr. Lorenzana said on social media. Conceptualised as early as 2017, the Office of the President approved its inclusion in the Horizon 2 Priority Projects in 2020, he stated.
The coastal defence regiment of the Philippine Marines will be the primary employer of this modern strategic defense capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Mr. Lorenzana added.
While Philippines had raised a unit sometime to operate the missile system, the contract was delayed by couple of years due to the COVID pandemic and budgetary constraints.
The Department of National Defence of Philippines, their equivalent of Ministry of Defence, too confirmed the notification and a copy of the notice of award signed by Mr. Lorenzana on December 31, 2021 was posted on the official website.
“This is to inform you that 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,” the letter stated. “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,” it added.
