India to Supply Philippines with Short-Range Akash Missiles
India is set to finalize a $200 million missile deal with the Philippines in the upcoming fiscal year, marking a significant step in New Delhi’s growing defense exports. According to sources, the Philippines has shown keen interest in acquiring India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system, further strengthening its military capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
Philippines Expected to Place an Order in April 2025
Three sources privy to the news shared that the Philippines government requested to buy the Akash missile system in the April 2025 financial year. As the issue is sensitive, the three sources requested anonymity.
India-Philippines Defense Cooperation: A Strategic Alliance
Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Military Cooperation
India and the Philippines have also been developing defense ties in recent years. Sales of missiles are another move towards their strategic partnership, indicating their interest in regional security.
Why This Deal Fits India’s ‘Act East’ Policy
India’s ‘Act East’ policy is an attempt to re-engage Southeast Asian countries. The export of arms to the Philippines is an indication of India’s growing influence in the region and a desire to increase the security of friendly countries.
Key Features of the Akash Missile System
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Locally designed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash missile system is capable of flying 25 km (16 miles). The missile can be launched from a stationary position and gives effective air defense cover against air threats.
Akash in Relation to Other Surface-to-Air Missiles
In comparison with other short-range surface-to-air missiles, Akash possesses an extremely high interception rate, hence becoming the choice of forces’ first preference when it comes to defense.
India’s Defense Exports Increase
India’s New Role in Global Defense Industry
India has been actively pursuing indigenous defense manufacturing and export to counter rising Chinese penetration in the country. Indian exports of defense equipment rose 150%, to $2.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 2024, from four years earlier.
Challenges Confronting and Opportunities For Supplanting China
Though India’s advancement in arms export has been phenomenal, it remains behind China. The agreement puts India on the path to becoming a defense export powerhouse.
Geopolitical Consequences of the Missile Agreement
China-Philippines Relations
The acquisition comes as Manila is strengthening its military amid tensions with China over rival claims to islands in the South China Sea.
Influence of the Deal on Power Dynamics in the South China Sea
The Philippines would like to expand its defense strength by acquiring Akash missiles while it already owns BrahMos systems, which is something that will alter the regional strategic dynamics.
Why the Philippines Bought the Akash Missile
Enhanced Defense Capability for Martial Security
Akash missile system has been of greatest use in aerial defense, and it has protected the South China Sea better.
Indian Defence Systems: Price Effectiveness and Efficacy of Performance
Indian defense exports are picking up speed on efficacy economies and performance scores, and one very interesting country is the Philippines.
Bharat Dynamics Ltd: Producer of the Akash Missile
India’s Top well-known Missile Maker
Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BARA.NS) is India’s leading defense manufacturer and India’s leading weapons-grade supplier.
India’s recent defense deals and future export prospects in times
Akash missile sale is a repeat of India’s sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines in 2022 for $375 million, a repeat followed by Indiadefencece exports.
India’s intention to increase arms sales
Markets to Market Misses
India is eyeing Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as new regions to further diversify its arms export basket.
Government Initiatives to Promote Defence Production
The Indian government has been acting in overdrive, with ‘Make in India’ being its policy thrust in a bid to stimulate weapons production in the country and stem imports from abroad
Conclusion
India’s proposed $200 million sale of Akash missiles to the Philippines is merely another move toward its increasing position in international defense export. Thermalization of the South China Sea and even the military modernization of the Philippines are all made possible because of the geo-political reorientation of the region. While defense cooperation between India and the Philippines is increasing, the sale will only secure their strategic alliance as well as both countries’ defense industry.
