Philippines Set To Train With US Typhon Missile System in February

Philippines Set To Train With U.S. Typhon Missile System in February

Philippine soldiers are set to master the U.S. Typhon missile system, raising tensions with China in the South China Sea.

Quick Takes

  • Philippine troops will train on the U.S. Typhon missile system in February, strengthening military ties with the U.S.
  • The training is part of the annual Salaknib joint exercise between the Philippines and U.S. armies.
  • China opposes U.S. military assistance to the Philippines, warning of increased geopolitical confrontation.
  • The Typhon system includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of reaching targets in China and Russia.
  • The Philippines is interested in procuring Typhon missile system launchers to modernize its defense forces.

Philippines Bolsters Maritime Defense with US Assistance

In a significant move to enhance its maritime defense capabilities, the Philippines is set to begin training its soldiers on the U.S. Typhon mid-range missile system this February. This development comes as part of the strengthening military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, amid ongoing tensions with China in the South China Sea. The training initiative is a key component of the annual Salaknib joint exercise between the two nations’ armies.

Colonel Louie Dema-ala, spokesman for the Philippine Army, provided details on the upcoming training by stating that a new Philippines’ Army Artillery Regiment platoon would receive “orientation and familiarization” training to learn about the system next month. This training builds upon previous iterations, involving new units and continuing the education of previously trained personnel.

Typhon System Capabilities and Strategic Implications

The Typhon missile system represents a significant upgrade to the Philippines’ defensive capabilities. It includes Tomahawk cruise missiles with the potential to reach targets in China and Russia, as well as SM-6 missiles capable of striking air or sea targets over 200 kilometers away. Importantly, the system can protect vessels up to 370 kilometers off the coast, aligning with the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under international law.

“As long as the MRC (mid-range capability) is here, we maximise its utilisation to train our personnel with these new technologies,” stated Dema-ala, highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to leveraging this advanced system.

The deployment of the Typhon system in the northern Philippines during joint exercises last April, and its subsequent retention in the country, has been a source of tension with China. The Chinese government has expressed strong opposition to U.S. military assistance to the Philippines, viewing it as a destabilizing factor in the region.

China’s Response and Regional Tensions

China’s reaction to the Philippines’ military modernization efforts has been one of concern and criticism. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning voiced Beijing’s 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.”

Despite these warnings, the Philippines continues to pursue enhanced military capabilities, with a particular interest in procuring Typhon missile system launchers. This move is seen as crucial for modernizing its defense forces and securing its maritime interests in the face of increasing regional tensions.

Strengthening US-Philippines Military Cooperation

The training on the Typhon system is part of a broader trend of intensifying security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. This partnership aims to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines under their mutual defense treaty, with Senator Marco Rubio describing the alliance as “ironclad.”

Sources

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