Philippines Prepares For War With Maritime Defense Plans

The Philippines is set to bolster its maritime defense capabilities with training on the U.S. Typhon missile system, igniting tensions with China in the South China Sea.

At a Glance

  • Philippine soldiers to begin training on U.S. Typhon missile system in February
  • Training part of strengthened military cooperation between Philippines and U.S.
  • China opposes U.S. military assistance, warns of intensified geopolitical confrontation
  • Typhon system capable of protecting vessels up to 370 kilometers off the coast
  • Philippines interested in procuring Typhon missile system launchers for defense modernization

Enhancing Maritime Defense Capabilities

In a move to strengthen its maritime defense, the Philippines is preparing to train its soldiers on the U.S. Typhon missile system. The training, scheduled to commence in February, marks a significant step in the ongoing military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. This development comes amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea region.

The training will involve a platoon of nearly 20 Philippine soldiers from the Army Artillery Regiment. They will receive instruction from the U.S. Army Pacific’s First Multi-Domain Task Force, focusing on the system’s “payload delivery system” and overall capabilities. Notably, the training will not include live-fire exercises.

The introduction of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines has not gone unnoticed by China, which views this development with concern. The system’s capabilities, including Tomahawk cruise missiles that can reach targets in China and Russia, and SM-6 missiles capable of striking air or sea targets over 200 km away, have raised alarms in Beijing.

“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,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said.

Despite China’s objections, the Philippines sees the Typhon system as crucial for protecting its maritime interests. The system’s ability to safeguard vessels up to 370 kilometers offshore aligns with the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under international law.

Strengthening U.S.-Philippine Military Ties

The training on the Typhon system is part of a broader effort to enhance security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. This collaboration has intensified in response to China’s assertiveness in the region. Colonel Louie Dema-ala, the Philippine Army Spokesman, emphasized the importance of the training.

The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines under their mutual defense treaty, with Senator Marco Rubio describing the alliance as “ironclad.” This commitment is further evidenced by ongoing preparations for this year’s Balikatan exercises, expected to be one of the largest joint military drills between the two nations.

As the Philippines moves forward with its plans to train on and potentially acquire the Typhon missile system, the regional dynamics in the South China Sea are likely to remain tense. The country’s efforts to modernize its defense forces and secure its maritime interests will continue to be closely watched by neighboring nations, particularly China.

While the exact location of the training remains undisclosed, the mobility of the Typhon system will be tested during the exercises.

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