Without C4ISR, Philippines’ BrahMos Missiles Are Mere Symbols with Little Battlefield Impact
Ashley Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, remarked that without C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computer (C4), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Manila cannot effectively use the BrahMos missiles.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — A former advisor to the U.S. Department of State has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the BrahMos missiles acquired by the Philippines, declaring them to have little operational value for the Southeast Asian nation’s military.
In a stark assessment reported by India’s media outlet The Print, Ashley Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned that the Philippines’ acquisition of BrahMos missiles risks being more symbolic than strategically effective.
Without the critical C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) infrastructure, he argued, Manila simply cannot harness the full power of these supersonic weapons.
“The sale of BrahMos missiles is a significant boost to the security of the Philippines, but the country still lacks the necessary infrastructure to operate them effectively,” he said.
“The Philippines does not yet possess the C4ISR capabilities required to use the BrahMos missiles effectively.”
Without C4ISR capabilities, owning the BrahMos missiles is “a good symbol, but it will not provide much operational utility.”
“BrahMos”
Tellis underscored that the United States could play a pivotal role in strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines by enhancing their C4ISR capabilities—an essential factor in unlocking the full potential of the BrahMos missile system.
Marking a historic milestone, the Philippines became the first-ever export customer of the BrahMos missile after securing a landmark $375 million (RM1.8 billion) deal with BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd in January 2022.
This April, the Southeast Asian nation took a decisive step in bolstering its coastal defenses, receiving its first batch of BrahMos missiles from India—a delivery that signifies a major leap in the country’s military modernization efforts.
Beyond the missiles themselves, the purchase package includes critical logistics support and intensive training for Filipino military personnel, ensuring they are equipped to operate this formidable weapon system.
A product of a high-profile collaboration between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM), the BrahMos missile system embodies cutting-edge military innovation.
The Philippines has specifically procured the coastal defense variant of the BrahMos—a supersonic powerhouse capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.8 and striking targets with precision up to 300 km away, solidifying its role as a key player in regional maritime security.
The Philippines’ first BrahMos missile system was delivered by an Indian transport aircraft. (Credit: ANI)
The missiles carry around 200 kg of high-explosive warheads.
The BrahMos is a medium-range cruise missile utilizing ramjet technology, capable of being launched from various platforms, including air, sea, submarine, and coastal areas.
The Philippines is the first foreign customer to acquire the land-launch variant of the BrahMos missile system, which will be deployed in several strategic locations in the South China Sea, known in Manila as the West Philippine Sea.
The three batteries of the BrahMos missile system acquired by the Philippines will be operated by the country’s Marine Corps.
Each BrahMos system consists of two launchers, a radar, and a command and control center.
Two missiles can be launched within ten seconds from submarines, warships, fighter jets, and land-based systems.
“BrahMos”Potential Deployment Locations for the Coastal Defense BrahMos Missile System in the Philippines.
The Philippines aims to use the BrahMos missile system to deter any “external parties” from attempting to seize or occupy islands or reefs within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.
With the BrahMos missiles, foreign naval or coast guard vessels would need to “think twice” before approaching any Philippine islands or reefs within its EEZ.
Where will the Philippines deploy the BrahMos missiles?
Reports indicate that the Philippines is considering locations such as Basco on Batan Island in the Bashi Channel, San Felipe in Zambales, and Culion and Tagbita on Palawan Island.
Given the BrahMos missile’s operational radius of 300 km, if deployed in Tagbita on Palawan Island, it would place China’s military base on Mischief Reef within its target range.
China has transformed Mischief Reef, originally a coral reef, into an artificial island.
Alongside Subi Reef and Fiery Cross, Mischief Reef serves as one of China’s primary military bases in the Spratly Islands. — DSA
