Manila, Aug. 8 -- The Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system, three batteries of which were acquired by the Philippines in 2022, is an important part of the country's deterrent capabilities, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Thursday.

"The experience has been very, very enlightening for us. It is an important part of our deterrent package and we will continue to advance discussions on how we can envelop the partnership on a sustainable basis," he said in response to queries of Indian media about the Brahmos missile in Philippine service and whether there are plans to acquire more units.

Teodoro is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s delegation in his state visit to India from Aug. 4 to 8...