Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System Stays in Philippines
The Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System is still present on Philippine soil, local officials confirmed. The United States-developed anti-ship missile, along with the Typhon mid-range capability, remains deployed after recent large-scale military exercises.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos stated that the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System will continue to be used by the Philippine Marine Corps for training. This is part of the Navy’s plan to acquire a similar weapons platform as it pushes forward with modernization efforts.
“This confirms that the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System is still in the country and will be used for training purposes by the Philippine Marine Corps,” Alcos said during a briefing at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. While he withheld precise details about the missile’s location for operational security, he assured it would stay as long as training opportunities exist.
Army Also Benefits from Typhon Mid-Range Capability
Meanwhile, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido shared that his troops continue to study and train with the Typhon mid-range capability. “It’s still here. We are still learning, we’re still training just like any equipment you have. You just don’t learn it one time. You have to be well-versed with the equipment,” he stated.
Deployed initially in Batanes during the Balikatan Exercises from April 21 to May 9, the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System also played a role in the Kamandag Exercise from May 26 to June 6. For safety reasons, live firing was not conducted, but simulated launches allowed troops to maximize the training.
The Marines also tested how the American missile system works alongside their 105mm and 155mm howitzers. Alcos explained that NMESIS can strike surface vessels from land up to 100 nautical miles away, offering strategic value especially in amphibious operations.
Plans to Acquire Similar Weapon Systems for Defense
The Navy is eager to purchase a medium-range anti-ship missile system similar to NMESIS. Alcos confirmed that a list of critical capabilities has been submitted to higher authorities and the Department of National Defense.
China had criticized the deployment of such US assets in the Philippines, warning it could spark an arms race and destabilize the region. However, Philippine officials stressed that the presence of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System serves solely as a deterrent against forces attempting illegal or aggressive actions.
“Otherwise, it’s just a military equipment that we use for training,” Alcos clarified.
Regarding the Typhon mid-range capability, deployed during the Army’s Salaknib Exercise in April 2024, Galido expressed satisfaction with the lessons learned. The system aligns with the Army’s goal to strengthen its force projection under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
“It’s still our desire to have one and we have proposed to have similar, if not that platform, within the inventory of the Army,” he added.
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