India Anticipates $200 Million Akash Missile Deal with Philippines
India is poised to finalize a significant defense agreement with the Philippines, involving the sale of Akash surface-to-air missile systems valued at over $200 million. This prospective deal underscores the deepening defense collaboration between the two nations, particularly amid escalating regional security concerns.
Strengthening Defense Ties
The anticipated agreement follows India’s previous defense export to the Philippines—a $375 million sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in 2022. The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), boasts a range of up to 25 kilometers and is designed to neutralize various aerial threats.
Regional Security Dynamics
The Philippines has been actively enhancing its defense capabilities in response to increasing tensions in the South China Sea. The acquisition of the Akash missile system is expected to bolster the country’s air defense infrastructure, providing a strategic advantage in safeguarding its territorial integrity.
India’s Expanding Defense Exports
This prospective deal aligns with India’s broader strategy to augment its defense exports. The country has witnessed a nearly 150% increase in defense exports since 2020, reaching over $2.4 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2024. Despite this growth, India’s defense exports remain modest compared to nations like South Korea and Australia.
The successful execution of this deal would not only reinforce the defense partnership between India and the Philippines but also signify India’s growing prominence as a defense exporter in the global arena.
