By Admin 
The Philippines has begun formal talks with India to purchase a medium-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM). This system will replace the Philippines Air Force’s old American-made missiles, which were purchased in the 1990s.
Old missile system now ineffective
Currently, the Philippines Air Force operates only one upgraded HAWK XXI system at Clark Air Base. This system is now outdated and has limited capacity. It can intercept fighter planes at a distance of about 40-45 kilometers and cruise missiles at a distance of 20-25 kilometers. Old technology has been used in this system and it is becoming difficult to get the necessary spare parts for it. For this reason, there are continuous difficulties in its maintenance and operation.
India offered Akash-1S system
Keeping in mind the needs of Philippines, India has offered Akash-1S missile system. This system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and is already in use in the Indian Army and Air Force. This missile system has the capability to shoot down fighter planes at a distance of about 45 kilometers and cruise missiles up to 30 kilometers. It is a mobile system that can be carried on 8×8 heavy military vehicles. A battery unit consists of four mobile launchers, each launcher carrying eight missiles. It is accompanied by a command post and 3D radar system, which is capable of identifying and tracking targets.
Why is this system considered useful for the Philippines?
The system can be deployed rapidly and works even in harsh weather conditions. It is being considered suitable for the security of sensitive military areas like Subic Bay, Clark Airbase and Palawan. This system will strengthen the air defense of the Philippines in the event of increasing maritime tensions with China.
The need for a long range system has not yet been met.
The Philippines had initially expressed its desire for a missile system with a range of 50 to 80 kilometers. India is working on a new such long-range system, Akash-NG, but it is still in the testing phase and is not yet approved for export. For this reason, only Akash-1S has been given as an option to the Philippines. India’s other missile systems such as QRSAM or MRSAM-ER have not been included in this proposal. QRSAM is short in range and MRSAM-ER has sensitive technology, so their export is not possible at present.
How much will the deal be?
According to open-source reports, if this deal is finalized then its price could be around $200 million. This will be another major achievement in defense cooperation between India and Philippines after the BrahMos missile deal.