India delivers first batch of BrahMos Cruise Missiles to the Philippines

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The supply was made in accordance with the USD 375 million agreement that the two nations agreed in 2022.
- Also, India recently delivered two Dornier 228 aircraft to Guyana, spreading export linkages to Caribbean nations as well.
- These are seen as major developments in defence exports from India.

Defence Export of India
- India is currently exporting military hardware to around 85 countries.
- Major export items include missiles, artillery guns, rockets, armoured vehicles, etc.
- In FY 2023-24, exports reached an all-time high of Rs. 21,083 crore.

Key Opportunities:
- Strategic Leverage (bolster relationship with nations)
- Enhances Self-reliance in defence by increasing defence manufacturing capabilities, etc.

Key Challenges: Delays in export clearances decreasing competitiveness of Indian defence products, historical perception of inconsistency in the quality etc.

Initiatives
- The Draft Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy: It has set the goal of achieving a turnover of Rs 1,75, 000 crore ($25 billion) in the defence sector.
- Simplification of Export Procedures: India Defence Mart (an online platform) has been launched for companies to apply for export licenses and track their applications.
- Other: Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports (SPDE), Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) etc.

Developed under the joint venture agreement between India and Russia.
It is a two stage Supersonic Cruise Missile (travels at a speed of around 2-3 Mach).
- Cruise Missile is propelled by jet engines.
Key Features:
- Fire and Forget principle of operation.
- Long flight range (290km) with varieties of flight trajectories.
- Low radar signature.