India’s BrahMos coastal defense system is becoming a key part of the country’s rise as a defense exporter, as several Asian nations look for stronger maritime protection.
India’s defense exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in fiscal year 2025-26, according to the figures provided in the article. That was Rs 14,802 crore higher than the previous fiscal year, a rise of 62.66 percent.
BrahMos Coastal Defense System Draws Southeast Asian Interest
The BrahMos missile system has become central to India’s defense export push. India has already supplied the system to the Philippines and has signed a deal to export it to Vietnam, according to the provided details. A similar agreement with Indonesia is described as being in the final stages.
Other countries in Southeast Asia, West Asia and Latin America have also shown interest in the missile system.
BrahMos is made by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It is a two-stage supersonic cruise missile that uses a solid propellant booster in the first stage and a liquid ramjet engine during cruise flight.
The missile can be launched from land, ships, aircraft and submarines. It has a range of nearly 300 kilometers and can carry a warhead of 200 to 300 kilograms.
Why the Philippines BrahMos Deal Matters
The Philippines became the first foreign buyer of the BrahMos system through a deal worth nearly $375 million for three coastal defense batteries. The first battery was delivered in April 2024.
The article also says another battery was delivered last year, but it does not provide a specific date. For a news report, that date should be confirmed before publication.
Why Asian Nations Are Watching BrahMos
For Southeast Asian countries facing maritime pressure from China, shore-based BrahMos batteries offer a way to strengthen anti-access and area-denial defenses. The system’s speed, low radar signature and flexible launch options make it attractive for coastal defense.
The missile is described as a “fire and forget” weapon. It can cruise at an altitude of 15 kilometers and descend as low as 10 meters near its target. Newer versions are expected to be lighter and may have a longer range of about 400 kilometers.
The growing interest in BrahMos shows how India is trying to move beyond its long-standing image as a major weapons importer. It also signals New Delhi’s broader effort to build defense ties with countries looking for alternatives in a tense Indo-Pacific security environment.
