The Philippine government has no plans to remove the US Typhon mid-range missile system stationed in northern Luzon, according to National Security Adviser and National Security Council Director General Eduardo Año.
Año clarified that no one can determine how long the missile system will remain in the country, as it plays a crucial role in the training of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
He emphasized that the removal of the missile system would require consultations between the United States and the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).
This agreement governs military cooperation and engagements between the two nations.
The Typhon mid-range missile system is a part of the US military’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system.
It is designed to intercept and neutralize ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats within a 300-1,000 km range, providing a defensive shield against potential external threats.
The installation of the system has drawn attention from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has called for its removal, citing concerns over heightened military tensions in the region.
However, the Philippine government has affirmed that the missile system is essential for enhancing the AFP’s capabilities, especially in defense and strategic training exercises.