The Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 2 quoted Mr. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the Philippine National Security Council, saying that the country will receive the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in February.

The information was given when he answered an unscheduled interview at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters. "It will also help the Philippines' deterrence. Actually, the ground system will be delivered this month and the missiles will be delivered next month. We are entering the hypersonic era," said Mr. Malaya.

The official said the purchase of BrahMos missiles from India would help boost the capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps, which will receive the weapons.

Last week, India’s ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, said the hypersonic missiles were on their way, but did not specify when. Last year, the manufacturer said the missiles would be delivered by December 2023.

The Philippines signed an 18.9 billion peso (8,214 billion VND) deal with BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint venture, to purchase three launchers of the cruise missiles in the surface-to-ship missile system project.

Last year, several members of the Philippine Marine Corps traveled to India to learn how to operate BrahMos missiles.

According to Mr. Malaya, the Philippines will become a medium-sized power in terms of armed capabilities with the purchase of new defense equipment.

In addition to the information about the BrahMos missile, he also said that the purchase of submarines is important in enhancing the Philippines' maritime security.

Earlier, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the purchase of the first submarine for the Philippines, Philippine Navy spokesman Roy Trinidad said on February 1.