MANILA — The Philippines announced on Monday, December 23, its plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system as part of efforts to strengthen its maritime defenses.
The decision has drawn criticism from China, which warned of a potential regional “arms race.”
The missile system, first deployed in the northern Philippines earlier this year during joint military exercises with the United States, was retained despite Beijing’s objections, which labeled it destabilizing for Asia.
Philippine Army chief Lieutenant-General Roy Galido highlighted the system’s relevance to the country’s archipelagic defense strategy during a news conference, stating, “We see its feasibility and functionality… Our army is developing this capability to protect our sovereignty.”
He noted that acquisition costs would depend on economic factors and that the system is not yet budgeted for 2025.
China, reacting swiftly to the announcement, condemned the move as “provocative and dangerous.”
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described it as an “irresponsible” decision that could jeopardize regional peace and security, urging Manila to reverse course.
The Philippines and China have been locked in disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea, where Beijing asserts control over nearly the entire area, a claim dismissed by an international tribunal.
The tensions have prompted Manila to deepen defense ties with Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which has taken a firm stance against Beijing’s claims.
Lieutenant-General Galido noted that acquiring new weapons systems, like the Typhon missile, typically takes at least two years.
For instance, it took five years for the Philippines to take delivery of the BrahMos cruise missile last year.
As regional tensions escalate, the Philippines’ decision underscores its commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities while navigating the delicate dynamics of Southeast Asia’s security landscape.
PROJECT FORCE
The land-based Typhon missile launcher, developed by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, boasts a mid-range capability with a reach of up to 480 kilometers.
While a longer-range version is in development, the Philippine Army plans to utilize the system to “project force” up to 370 kilometers—the extent of the country’s maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Philippine Army chief Lieutenant-General Roy Galido emphasized the system’s role in safeguarding national waters.
“At 200 nautical miles, there is no land, and the army cannot physically be there,” Galido said, noting the Typhon platform’s ability to protect the country’s floating assets, including navy, coast guard, and other maritime vessels.
The deployment of the Typhon system has drawn sharp criticism from China. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun previously warned that the system’s presence in the Philippines could “severely damage regional security and stability.”
Galido dismissed these concerns, stating, “We should not be bothered by others’ seeming insecurities because we don’t have any plans to go outside of our country’s interests.”
The acquisition underscores the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to enhance its maritime defense capabilities amid growing regional tensions in the South China Sea.