Philippines To Take Part in U.S. Missile System Training

Philippines To Take Part in U.S. Missile System Training

The Philippines is set to enhance its maritime defense by training on the U.S. Typhon missile system amid simmering tensions with China.

Key Insights

  • Philippine soldiers will train on the U.S. Typhon missile system in February, strengthening military cooperation with the U.S. amid tensions with China in the South China Sea.
  • The US deployed the Typhon missile system in the northern Philippines last year during joint exercises, escalating tensions with China.
  • China has spoken out against U.S. military assistance to the Philippines, warning of intensified geopolitical confrontation and an arms race.
  • A platoon of nearly 20 Philippine soldiers will train with the U.S. Army Pacific’s First Multi-Domain Task Force.
  • The Philippines aims to procure the Typhon missile system launchers to modernize its defense forces and secure its maritime interests.

Strengthening Defense Amid Tensions

Philippine soldiers are set to train on the U.S. manufactured Typhon missile system in February as part of a broader strategy to bolster maritime defenses. This decision comes amid regional tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines is at odds with China over territorial disputes. The United States’ military assistance to the Philippines is seen as critical in fortifying regional security.

The United States deployed the Typhon missile system in the northern Philippines last year during joint military exercises and retained it there, prompting objections from China. This move aligns with the U.S. commitment to its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, but has likewise increased geopolitical frictions with China, which views such deployments as provocative.

Training Details and Capabilities

A platoon consisting of nearly 20 Philippine soldiers will participate in training with the U.S. Army Pacific’s First Multi-Domain Task Force. The training will focus on the Typhon system’s “payload delivery system” and will showcase its capabilities, although it will not include live-fire exercises. This marks a continuation of training that started last year, introducing new units to the advanced missile technology.

The Philippines aims to modernize its defense forces and is interested in procuring the Typhon missile system, which includes Tomahawk cruise missiles with the capability to reach targets in China and Russia, and SM-6 missiles adept at striking air or sea targets over 200 km away. The system can protect vessels up to 370 kilometers off the coast, aligning with the Philippines’ maritime entitlement under international law.

Geopolitical Implications

China has consistently opposed U.S. military support to the Philippines, citing concerns of escalating an arms race and geopolitical confrontation. Mao Ning expressed strong opposition, stating, “Let me stress again that by bringing this strategic offensive weapon into this part of the world, the Philippines is essentially creating tensions and antagonism in the region and inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race.”

The training is integral to the annual Salaknib joint exercise involving Philippine and U.S. armies. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Balikatan exercises, anticipated to be one of the largest, further reinforcing the U.S.-Philippine military partnership. This cooperation underscores the shared commitment to counter China’s assertiveness and ensure regional security.

Sources

  1. Philippine soldiers to master US Typhon missile system as China keeps a close watch
  2. Philippine soldiers to train on US Typhon missile system
  3. Philippines to Train With US Typhon Missile System Next Month
  4. Philippines to train with US Typhon missile system next month