US Strengthens Logistics Cooperation with Armed Forces
The United States is deepening its logistics cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure faster responses during crises, disaster relief, and to counter threats in the Indo-Pacific region. This move highlights the importance of rapid deployment and operational readiness amid growing regional tensions.
US Air Force General Randall Reed, commander of US Transportation Command (Transcom), announced that a series of exercises will take place this summer to test existing logistics infrastructure and coordination with the AFP. “This summer, we’re going to have a series of exercises and we’ll test the current logistics architecture and infrastructure, which provides sustained freedom of maneuver in the region and for the joint force,” Reed shared during a virtual briefing.
Exercises to Boost Regional Readiness and Security
General Reed recently visited the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, where he met with Lt. Gen Jimmy Larida, AFP vice chief of staff. Together, they discussed ways to improve maritime domain awareness and cyber defense through bilateral exercises. These initiatives aim to address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
One key planned exercise is “Mobility Guardian,” designed to showcase the US ability to rapidly mobilize and deploy forces from the US to various locations across the region. This capability is crucial given rising tensions caused by China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and surrounding Taiwan.
Prepositioning and Rapid Response Strategy
The US military has been practicing deployment of critical assets and personnel to the Philippines during major wargames. For example, during last month’s Balikatan Exercise, the US Indo-Pacific Command deployed advanced systems such as the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), an anti-ship missile system.
Last year, the Typhon mid-range capability (MRC) missile was also deployed to Manila during the Salaknib and Balikatan exercises. Both NMESIS and Typhon systems remained in the Philippines after exercises ended, drawing criticism from China, which accused the US and the Philippines of escalating an arms race.
General Reed emphasized the importance of prepositioning supplies close to potential crisis points. “The closer you can get something to the point of need, the better off we all are. So utilizing prepositioned stock in a crisis will always be faster than transporting equipment from the other side of the globe,” he explained. This approach helps deliver rapid, decisive responses during emergencies.
Enhancing Allied Connectivity and Industrial Cooperation
The upcoming exercises will also test tactics, techniques, and procedures among allies and partners to improve connectivity across multiple locations in the region. The Philippines and the US actively participate in the Indo-Pacific Industrial Reliance Forum, a multilateral group of 14 Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic nations collaborating to strengthen defense industrial resilience.
“Maintaining and expanding our relationships in the region is essential,” Reed said. “We cooperate to ensure swift US responses to humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and counter threats to international peace and security, whether from state actors or violent extremist groups.”
However, the general acknowledged challenges remain. The US Military Sealift Command’s fleet, while capable, is aging. “We need to get newer and more modern ships for the crews to operate,” he noted.
As the US and the AFP continue to enhance logistics cooperation, these efforts aim to improve regional stability and readiness amid evolving security dynamics.
For more news and updates on US-Philippines defense ties, visit Filipinokami.com.