Philippine Marines Prepare for NMESIS Test in Kamandag Exercise
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) are set to test the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), an advanced American-made anti-ship missile system, during the upcoming Kamandag Exercise. This joint annual training fosters greater interoperability and readiness for territorial defense, with a strong focus on coastal and archipelagic defense within the Indo-Pacific region.
Kamandag, which stands for “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma Mula sa Dagat,” involves around 4,000 personnel from both marine forces. It began on May 26 at the Marine barracks in Taguig City and will continue until June 6. Training will take place across multiple locations under the Northern Luzon Command, Western Command, Western Mindanao Command, as well as selected areas in Cavite and Manila.
NMESIS Deployment and Maritime Strike Details
According to sources familiar with the matter, the NMESIS will be used in a maritime strike scheduled for June 1 in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. However, whether the missile system will be actually fired or undergo a simulated “dry firing” remains undecided. Dry firing involves activating the weapon’s firing mechanism without live ammunition, allowing crews to practice without launching real missiles.
One official explained, “Whether it will be fired or not depends on the actual situation or actual criteria that will be met on the day of the maritime strike demonstration.” The main goal is to familiarize the Philippine Marines with operating the NMESIS, which the Philippine Navy aims to acquire as part of its ongoing modernization efforts.
The Navy has reportedly submitted a list of essential capabilities to higher defense authorities, including the Department of National Defense, and the NMESIS is among the critical assets they hope to integrate.
Comprehensive Training Objectives and International Participation
Beyond the missile exercise, Kamandag includes a variety of training activities such as live fire integration, counter-landing and defensive retrograde operations, special operations forces strikes, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills. The exercise also features a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) subject matter expert exchange and a senior enlisted leaders symposium.
In addition to the Philippine and U.S. Marines, forces from Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom will join the training. Observers from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Indonesia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Thailand will also attend to witness the exercises.
Context and Strategic Implications
The deployment of the NMESIS has previously drawn criticism from China, especially during the recent Balikatan Exercises. Yet, Philippine defense sources emphasize sovereignty and the importance of allied cooperation.
One official stated, “I think the Secretary of National Defense said it best. Walang pakialam and kahit sinong bansa (No country has the right to interfere) when it comes to the deployment of assets, whether it is our own or if it belongs to our allies.” He added, “So, we will continue to deploy or train with our allies in the objective of enhancing combined operations or to be able to do operations with them in the future.”
This upcoming NMESIS test during Kamandag highlights the Philippine Marine Corps’ efforts to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities and deepen military cooperation with allies amid growing regional security challenges.
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