Philippine Army to acquire US Typhon missile system

Marcos OKs National Security Strategy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine military plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to protect the country’s maritime interests, some of which overlap with regional power China.

“It is planned to be acquired because we see its feasibility and its functionality in our concept of archipelagic defense implementation,” Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido told a news conference yesterday.

“I’m happy to report to our fellow countrymen that your Army is developing this capability for the interest of protecting our sovereignty,” he said, adding that the total number to be acquired would depend on “economics.”

The US Army deployed the mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines earlier this year for annual joint military exercises with its longtime ally, and decided to leave it there despite criticism by Beijing that it was destabilizing to Asia.

Since then, the Typhon has been used by Philippine forces to train for its operation.

The presence of the US missile launcher in the northern Philippines had angered Beijing, whose navy and coast guard forces have engaged in escalating confrontations in recent months with the Philippines over disputed reefs and waters in the South China Sea.

Beijing swiftly condemned the decision to acquire the system as a “provocative and dangerous move” and warned it risked triggering an “arms race.”

“It is an extremely irresponsible choice for the history of its own people and the people of Southeast Asia, as well as for regional security,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday.

“The region needs peace and prosperity, not missiles and confrontation,” she added.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

As a rule, it takes at least two or more years for the Philippine military to acquire a new weapons system from the planning stage, Galido said, adding it was not budgeted for 2025.

It took five years for Manila to take delivery of the BrahMos cruise missile last year, he added.

The land-based mid-range capability Typhon missile launcher, developed by US firm Lockheed Martin for the US Army, has a range of 300 miles (480 kilometers), though a longer-range version is in development.

Galido said the Typhon system would enable the army to “project force” outwards up to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers), which is the limit of the archipelago nation’s maritime entitlements – also known as exclusive economic zone – under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“You have to take note of the fact that at 200 nautical miles there is no land there and the army cannot go there,” he said.

“We need to contribute to this (defense of Philippine interests) by having this platform to be able to assist the primary major service that would focus on maritime and air domain,” Galido added.

Under that scenario, the Typhon platform “will protect our floating assets,” he said, a reference to ships of the Philippine navy, coast guard and other vessels.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned in June that the Typhon deployment was “severely damaging regional security and stability.”

Galido dismissed the criticism against the Typhon system in the Philippines.

“We should not be bothered by others’ seeming insecurities because we don’t have any plans to go outside of our country’s interests,” he said.

Security strategy

Meanwhile, President Marcos has approved the 2024 National Security Strategy (NSS), which is seen to enhance the country’s ability to tackle security challenges.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NSS is a comprehensive guide designed to shape a “safer, secure, more prosperous and united country.”

Marcos approved the NSS last Dec. 19.

The NSS lays out 53 strategic directions and 393 actionable steps that will secure the country’s sovereignty and promote the welfare of citizens.

“The 2024 NSS focuses on four key areas: human capital development, institution-building, efficient use of instruments of national power such as diplomacy and defense and sustainable growth through economic resilience and legislative support,” Año said.

Año noted that the strategy ensures the country’s readiness to tackle evolving threats, from territorial disputes to economic pressures.

He called on all Filipinos to embrace their role, saying, “Every step we take together brings us closer to a future where our children can live in a nation they are proud to call their own.”

“The National Security Strategy represents a call to action for the entire nation. By working together, the Philippines can overcome challenges, safeguard its sovereignty and create a brighter future for all,” he said.