MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country can support the acquisition of medium-range ramjet supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, which are being eyed by the Philippine Army (PA) for coastal defense missions.
"There is money for it as per our modernization program," the defense chief said in a message late Monday, when asked on whether the Philippines can support or provide funds for the acquisition of the missiles which was jointly developed by Russia and India.
The acquisition of a land-based missile system is under Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program which is slated for 2018 to 2022 and geared for the acquisition of equipment geared for external defense with a budget of PHP300 billion.
Lorenzana said the BrahMos is currently being evaluated by the PA.
"The Army is looking at it," he added.
The PA in October activated its first land-based missile battery system which is under the supervision of the Army Artillery Regiment. The unit is currently working on its training programs before acquiring its future equipment.
In the same month, ranking Army officials paid a visit to the Shivalik-class guided-missile frigate, INS Sahyadri (F-49), to learn more about its missile capabilities which include the "BrahMos" cruise missile which can be launched from ship, aircraft, submarine or land and has a top of Mach 3 and capable of carrying warheads weighing 200 to 300 kilograms.
“The Philippine Army is interested in acquiring this type of missile as it will strengthen our coastal defense operations,” PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala earlier said.
(PNA)