In January, the Philippine Navy established an anti-ship missile battalion to operate the Indo-Russian Brahmos supersonic cruise missile Manilla purchased from New Delhi. According to a report by ABS-CBN News citing Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico, the Philippine Marine Corps Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile Battalion (SBASM) will begin training and building facilities soon in preparation for the missile system's arrival next year.
Meanwhile, Asia News International reported that Philippines Marine Corps personnel would go to India to receive training to operate the system. Brahmos has considered the world’s fastest cruise missile, with a range capped at 290 kilometres (180 miles) due to Missile Technology Control Regime obligations.
