India and Philippines Finalize $800 Million Defence Deal for 60 Additional BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles

Why in the News?

India and the Philippines are in the final stages of concluding a major **$700 to $800 million** defence procurement deal, under which Manila will acquire around **60 additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles** (comprising roughly 5 systems/batteries) from India to bolster its coastal security.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Scope & Background of the Deal:

- The proposed order includes approximately 5 BrahMos systems carrying about 60 missiles.

- This follows the landmark 2022 deal valued at **$375 million**, making the Philippines the first export customer of the BrahMos missile system.

- Official Confirmation:

- Philippine Defence Secretary **Gilberto Teodoro** confirmed Manila's intent to acquire additional BrahMos units during his virtual address at the 'Delhi Defence Dialogue'.

- Strategic Context:

- Procurement aims to enhance coastal defence capabilities amidst ongoing maritime disputes and tensions with China in the South China Sea.

- Surge in India's Defence Exports:

- India's defence exports surged by over 62% to reach a record **₹384.24 billion ($4.11 billion)** in the fiscal year ending March.

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Static GK Facts:

- BrahMos Missile System:

- Type: **Supersonic Cruise Missile** (Two-stage, ramjet propulsion).

- Speed: **Mach 2.8 to 3.0** (World's fastest operational supersonic cruise missile).

- Name Origin: Portmanteau of the **Brahmaputra** (India) and **Moskva** (Russia) rivers.

- Developer: **BrahMos Aerospace** (Joint Venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya).

- Republic of the Philippines:

- Capital: **Manila** | Currency: **Philippine Peso (PHP)** | President: **Ferdinand Marcos Jr.**

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which country is concluding a $700-800 million defence deal with India to acquire 60 additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles?

A: The Philippines

Q: The BrahMos missile system is a joint venture between which two countries?

A: India and Russia

Q: What is the speed of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile?

A: Mach 2.8 to 3.0

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