President Marcos has reaffirmed the Philippines’ openness to acquiring more Indian-made defense systems, including additional BrahMos missiles and naval equipment, as the country ramps up its military modernization in response to rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“We are not girding up for war,” Marcos said in an interview with Indian news website Firstpost.

“We are simply reacting to the challenges that we are facing. Those challenges, in terms of defending our maritime territory, have increased in the past years,” he added.

Marcos emphasized that the defense buildup is not intended to provoke conflict but is instead a constitutional responsibility.

“It is our duty to defend the country,” he said.

The President said the Philippines is already considering purchasing more units of the BrahMos missile system, after becoming the first foreign buyer of the Indian supersonic cruise missile.

The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile system developed as a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The missile is known for its high speed, precision, and ability to be launched from various platforms, including land, sea, and air.

The system, while not yet battle-tested, has impressed Philippine military operators.

“From the demonstrations and the systems that have been tested, they seem terribly confident in the equipment,” he said.

“I think that we are in the process of actually procuring more,” he added.

Marcos noted that weapons procurement takes time, but India’s technological edge and favorable pricing make it a compelling partner.

“Their technology is second to none,” he said.

“Indian equipment has that quality and is very competitive on pricing,” he added.

President Marcos explained that one of the goals of modernization is ensuring that Philippine defense systems are interoperable with those of its regional and global allies.

He noted that four Indian vessels were currently in Philippine waters, with three conducting exercises alongside the Philippine Navy.

“We must upgrade our equipment to a standard that is interoperable,” he said.

The President also said it’s critical for countries like the Philippines to avoid misunderstandings and accidental escalation, especially in contested waters.

“Some guy pushes the wrong button… that could just blow out of proportion, and that is what we want to avoid,” he added.

To avoid such scenarios, Marcos stressed the importance of maintaining open communication with other countries, including those with whom the Philippines has disputes.

“We must have that line open. We maintain it and make sure that it is useful,” he said.

The President said that while it may not always be possible to speak directly with foreign leaders, regular contact between military officers and foreign ministers helps prevent unnecessary conflict.

Asked why the Philippines has taken a more calibrated tone when discussing the West Philippine Sea, Marcos denied that his administration was backing down.

“The Philippines will not cede one square inch of our territory,” he said.

“We will not give up the exercise of our sovereign rights, ever,” he added.

President Marcos reiterated his preference for a balanced foreign policy.

“You can defend your sovereignty, you can defend your territory, you can do all of that, you can modernize your military, and at the same time, you can continue to be a friend to all and an enemy of none,” he said.