In an effort to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions with China over South China Sea territorial disputes, the Philippines has announced plans to purchase the U.S. Typhon missile system. During a press conference, Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant-General Roy Galido confirmed the purchase and emphasized its significance for safeguarding the nation’s maritime rights and sovereignty, which conflict with those asserted by China.
Lockheed Martin created the Typhon missile system, a mid-range, land-based missile launcher with a range of roughly 300 miles (480 kilometers). Currently, a variant with a larger range is being developed.
According to international law, the system will allow the Philippine military to project force up to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) outward, in accordance with the country’s marine rights.
The military budget for 2025 does not currently include financing for this endeavor, and the purchase procedure is anticipated to take at least two years from planning to procurement.
The Philippines’ decision has drawn harsh criticism from China, which has warned that it may lead to an arms race in the area. The action is “provocative and dangerous,” according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who urged the Philippines to change its mind and put peace before military expansion. China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, where it claims nearly all territorial seas despite international rulings to the contrary, has caused tensions to rise, prompting this warning.
The Philippines’ deployment of the Typhon missile system is a component of a larger plan to strengthen its defenses against alleged Chinese threats. This missile system, which is currently a focal point, was first used by the U.S. Army during joint exercises in northern Luzon.
