India is set to begin the export of ground systems designed for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines within the next 10 days and the missiles for the system are likely to be dispatched by March this year, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI news agency, Kamat said the first set of BrahMos missile systems is expected to reach Philippines by the end of March.
“The ground systems should be sent in the next 10 days, the missiles will hopefully go by March (to Philippines),” Kamat said.
BrahMos missiles export to the Philippines is the biggest ever defence export contract signed with any foreign country by India.
India had signed a deal with the Philippines worth USD 375 million in January 2022 for the supply of shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
“…We are also receiving interest for BrahMos, we have exported to the Philippines and we are receiving interest for other countries,” he said.
Kamat said approximately Rs 4.94 lakh crore worth of DRDO-developed products have either got inducted in to the armed forces or have received AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) from the DAC (Defence Acquisition Council).
“The developments are now increasingly getting done much faster than earlier. My estimate is, more than 60% or 70% of the inducted products are in the last 5-7 years. This rate is going to increase dramatically as we go ahead,” said Kamat.
On DRDO-developed products that would be inducted into the armed forces in the near future, Kamat said, “I would say, LCA Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, QRSAM, more number of squadrons are going to be taken for Akash, several of our tactical missiles are going to get inducted soon….”
Talking about Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), he said order for 307 guns is on cards for this financial year.
“ATAGS has already finished all trials. My estimate is that the order should be placed in this financial year, before March 31, for 307 guns,” added Kamat.
Kamat said they also have been in discussions with Safran for developing the engine for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
“…The final decision on whom to go with, whom to partner with for making the AMCA engine has not yet been made. This is under discussion,” said the DRDO chief.
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are renowned for their precision and speed, making them a formidable asset in modern warfare.
The move to export ground systems aligns with India’s commitment to bolstering defence ties and showcasing its technological prowess on the global stage. The Indian Army has successfully inducted several BrahMos regiments since 2007.
With inputs from agencies
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India set to export BrahMos ground systems to Philippines in next 10 days, says DRDO chief SV Kamat
