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News: India recently sold BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
| Read here: the Philippines to acquire BrahMos cruise missiles for $375 million |
Why the Philippines is upgrading its defence capabilities?
Both China and the Philippines claim islands in the South China Sea (SCS). China has militarized Woody Island and arbitrarily claimed the Nine-Dash Line (NDL). The NDL covers 90% of the waters in the SCS and is rich in fishing and energy reserves.
Philippines dragged China over its maritime claims to the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) at The Hague. China rejected the 2016 UNCLOS ruling, which was ordered in favor of the Philippines. This shows how major states treat international law. Chinese assertiveness over islands, the Philippines navy, and commercial shipping have led to the Philippines upgrading its defenses.
Why the deal is important for India?
| Read here: Relevance of India-Philippines Brahmos Deal |
What is India’s position in export in the defence sector?
According to the Ministry of Defence, India exported Rs 1,940 crore worth of defence equipment in 2014-15. In 2020-21, India’s defence exports were at Rs 8,434 crore. These military exports consist of protective gear for military personnel, mechanical engineering equipment, and defence electronics. The MoD has set an ambitious defence export target of $5 billion by 2024.
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is also developing the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which is now under orders from Mauritius.
What should be the way forward for India?
| Read here: Indigenising defence capabilities can help India both economically and strategically |
Source: This post is based on the article “A policy to replicate BrahMos’ success” published in the Business Standard on 24th February 2022.
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