India needs many big-ticket exports like BrahMos deal to hit $5 billion export target by 2025, counter China

India needs several big-ticket deals like the one recently closed with the Philippines for BrahMos missile worth $375 million, to reach $5 billion export target by 2025 and counter China.

In a big boost to India’s defence exports, BrahMos Aerospace has inked a $375 million deal with the Philippines to provide the BrahMos cruise missile to the country’s navy. The Philippines navy will use this as an anti-ship shore-based missile that has a range of 290km.

BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture company between India's Defence Development and Research Organistation (DRDO) and Russia, has been continuously upgrading the missile system, making it more lethal against sea and land targets.

BrahMos is one of the potent missile weapon systems used by the Indian military; already inducted into the Armed Forces and used by the army, air force and navy in different variants. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.

Meant to deter China

A statement from department of national defense of the Philippines says the BrahMos will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine sovereign rights in the Philippine Sea — a reference to the South China Sea where China maintains an aggressive posturing.

As the deal is finally through with the Philippines, other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, who have shown interest in acquiring the anti-ship missile, could also come onboard. Malaysia and Vietnam are also claimants in the South China Sea.

Experts are of the view that if India is successful in providing big-ticket military systems to countries in the neighbourhood, it won’t just be a boost for defence exports but will also be a strategic step to counter China’s influence as it provides defence products in Asia, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.