Philippines Commencing Training on U.S. Typhon Missile System in February

The Philippines is poised to bolster its defense strategy through the impending training on the U.S. Typhon missile system amidst mounting tensions in the South China Sea.

Key Takeaways

Philippine soldiers will undergo training on the U.S.-developed Typhon missile system in February.
This strategic move aims to strengthen military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States amid South China Sea tensions.
Cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines has sparked criticism from China, viewing it as a provocative measure.
The Typhon missile system includes advanced capabilities that align with the Philippines’ maritime defense interests.
The U.S. has reaffirmed its defense commitment to the Philippines under the mutual defense treaty.

U.S. Military Cooperation with the Philippines

The Philippine military’s training on the U.S. Typhon missile system underscores the significant military cooperation between the two allies. Scheduled to commence in February, this training is a crucial component of the ongoing joint military exercises between Philippine and U.S. forces. A platoon from the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment will be trained by the U.S. Army Pacific’s First Multi-Domain Task Force.

This initiative is not merely about technical training; it’s a strategic move aimed at modernizing the Philippines’ defense apparatus. The Typhon system, which was deployed in the northern Philippines during joint exercises last April, includes both Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles, capable of neutralizing threats at significant distances.

Philippine soldiers to master US Typhon missile system as China keeps a close watch https://t.co/69q3Vt2d1G

— THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 28, 2025

Ongoing Tensions with China

China has expressed disapproval of the use of U.S. military assets in the Philippines, indicating potential regional tensions. The Typhon missile system’s deployment, characterized as a strategic offensive move, has been deemed by China as provocative. It could potentially intensify geopolitical confrontation and spur an arms race within the region.

“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,” China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said recently.

Despite the regional stir, the Philippines is determined to consolidate its maritime defenses with this missile system. The system can protect vessels as far as 370 kilometers off the coast, which aligns with the country’s maritime entitlement under international laws.

The Strategic Importance of Typhon Missile Training

This venture is part of broader efforts, like this year’s anticipated large-scale Balikatan exercises, aimed at confronting China’s assertiveness in the region. The U.S. and Philippine military collaboration comes with a clear message on commitment toward shared security interests.

The U.S.’s reaffirmation of its defense promise under the mutual defense treaty further strengthens this alliance, offering a strategic counter to China’s influence. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the capability enhancement through the Typhon system symbolizes the Philippines’ intention to safeguard its sovereignty and contribute to regional stability.