The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have expressed support for the possible deployment of another U.S.-made Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Typhon missile system to the country, seeing it as a boost to military training and overall capability.

“This is a welcome development for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We can say that the more, the merrier,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on March 25.

“So, the more assets we have, the more also that we are able to train more personnel on our part. So, we accept this willingly,” she added.

The Typhon missile system, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles with a range of over 1,500 kilometers and SM-6 missiles with an operational range of more than 240 km, was first brought to the Philippines on April 11, 2024, for joint military exercises such as “Salaknib” and “Balikatan.” It was initially stationed in Northern Luzon.

“If you are to focus on the training capacity of our personnel, the more equipment, the better. If indeed these particular advanced weapon systems or platforms reach us, it is a welcome development for us to further train our personnel on such weapon systems,” Padilla said. 

The development comes after the U.S. Army’s 3rd Multidomain Task Force was reported to be “standing up its long-range fires battalion over the next year, including readying its Typhon battery for deployment in the Pacific theater,” according to Defense News on March 18.

This would mark the second deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Indo-Pacific region, a move seen as part of the United States’ strategy to strengthen its military presence amid increasing regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala noted that a second Typhon system would accelerate troop training.

“The Philippines may welcome this. Right now, we only have a small number of personnel undergoing training. So, we welcome this if it arrives,” Dema-ala said.

Defense posture not targeted at any country

In the same press briefing, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea, clarified that the country’s defense posture is a sovereign act, not aimed at any country.

“The defense posture of the Republic of the Philippines is not designed against any other country. It is an action of a sovereign state,” he told reporters.

Trinidad also emphasized the country’s adherence to international law.

“In the region, we have been abiding by the rules-based international order. We have been supportive of the rules-based international order. Other countries, especially the Chinese Communist Party, have not been abiding by international law. They have been disrupting the region,” he added.

In recent months, the continuous presence of the Typhon missile system has drawn criticism from China, which claims it fuels regional tensions. Beijing has repeatedly called for its removal, accusing the Philippines of escalating hostility.

However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr proposed a deal to Beijing last January, suggesting he would consider returning the missile system if China ceased its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

“You know, let’s make a deal with China: Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, (and) stop water-cannoning our people,” Marcos said.

“Stop firing lasers at us and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior. And I’ll return the Typhon missiles,” he added.

High-level U.S. visits to strengthen alliance

As the Philippines continues to strengthen its alliance with the United States, high-ranking U.S. officials are set to visit Manila.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit next month to reaffirm the importance of the PH – U.S. alliance under the Trump administration, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Apart from Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will arrive on March 28 for his first visit to Asia, marking the first time a Pentagon chief has included the Philippines in an inaugural regional trip. Talks are expected to focus on boosting deterrence against aggression in the South China Sea.

“Basically, the United States under President Trump has always said that we need a strong deterrence to avert any kind of conflict in the future,” Romualdez said.

“That is exactly what Secretary Hegseth is going to talk about with Secretary (Gilbert) Teodoro and also perhaps a meeting with President Marcos the next day,” he added.

The two governments are also expected to finalize the timing of President Marcos’ visit to the U.S. following these high-level visits.

Meanwhile, Malacañang hinted at the possibility of forging more Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) with other nations, following Marcos’ approval to begin discussions with France.

“The VFA could raise the level of compatibility in terms of or in relation to the operations of the armed forces of both countries,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro at a press briefing on March 25.

Castro added there would be an exchange of ideas, skills, and know-how about military operations.

Photo credit: U.S. Army. The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomes the possible deployment of another Typhon missile system from the United States Indo-Pacific Command.