Manila: The Philippines has finalized a deal to acquire a land-based anti-ship missile system from India for nearly $375 million ($520 million) to bolster its navy, the Philippines’ defense minister said. Southeast Asian countries.
The Philippines is in the final stages of a five-year, 300 billion peso ($8.1 billion) project to modernize its military’s outdated hardware, which includes World War II warships and helicopters used by the United States during the Vietnam War.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.Credit:PA
Under the deal brokered with the Indian government, Brahmos Aerospace Private will supply three batteries, train operators and maintainers, and provide logistical support, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a Facebook post. .
The deal was conceptualized in 2017 but faced delays in budget allocation and due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The new anti-ship system aims to deter foreign vessels from encroaching on the country’s 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
In November, there was an outbreak in the sea lane as Chinese coastguard boats were blocked and water cannons were fired at two Philippine military supply vessels in the disputed Spratly Islands.
Philippine Foreign Minister Teddy Locsin jnr immediately expressed “outrage, condemnation and protest” at the Ayungin Shoal incident, saying it threatened “the special relationship between the Philippines and China”. .
In 2018, the Philippines purchased Israeli-made Spike ER missiles, its first-ever shipborne missile systems for maritime deterrence.
The docking of Chinese ships at Whitsun Reef in March sparked a dispute with the Philippines.Credit:PA
