The Philippines have finalized a deal to acquire a shore-based anti-ship missile system from India for $375 million to strengthen its navy, according to the country's Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

This purchase is part of the country's $5.85 billion project to modernize its military, which is currently in its late stages. The country's outdated hardware includes ships from World War II and choppers used by the US in the Vietnam War.

According to this new deal, India's BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd will deliver the Philippines three batteries, will train operators and maintainers, and will provide logistics support.

The Philippines had previously bought Israeli Spike ER missiles in 2018 for maritime deterrence.

BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, has developed a cruise missile that the Indian Defense Ministry has said is the fastest in the world.

Both China and the Philippines have accused each other in the past of territorial violations in the South China Sea, which is a conduit for billions of dollars worth of goods. The Hague had ruled in favor of the Philippines in a 2016 arbitration, but China rejected the ruling.