The Philippines is preparing to bolster its military capabilities through the potential acquisition of the U.S. Typhon missile system, responding to growing tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The announcement, made by Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, indicates the military's objective to secure its maritime interests, particularly within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from its coast.
According to Lt. Gen. Galido, the plans are part of the country’s broader defense strategy and aim to project force effectively, enabling the Philippine Army to protect its sovereignty. “We see its feasibility and its functionality in our concept of archipelagic defense implementation,” Galido stated during a news conference. He emphasized the importance of this new capability for safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime territories, which are currently contested by China.
China has expressed strong opposition to the deployment of the Typhon system, which was introduced during recent joint military exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the move, describing it as “an extremely irresponsible choice for the history of its own people and the people of Southeast Asia.” She cautioned it could escalate tensions and trigger an arms race throughout the region. Earlier this year, the U.S. deployed the Typhon missile at Laoag International Airport for these exercises, which markedly increased military cooperation between Washington and Manila amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities.
The Typhon system possesses formidable capabilities, including the ability to launch Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, reaching distances of up to 300 miles (480 kilometers). This makes it especially concerning for China, which maintains extensive claims over the South China Sea, often leading to confrontations with Philippine forces. The Typhon’s range will enable the Philippines to project military power beyond its territorial waters, addressing the growing assertiveness of Chinese naval operations.
While plans are underway, Lt. Gen. Galido noted the economic aspects would significantly influence the total number of missile systems acquired. The Philippines struggles with defense budgets, meaning the acquisition process could last several years. To date, no specific allocation for the Typhon system has been confirmed for the fiscal year 2025. The Philippine military has previously experienced long timelines for acquiring new weapon systems, as evidenced by the five-year process to incorporate the BrahMos cruise missile last year.
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro defended the procurement strategy as part of the Philippines' sovereign right to secure its national interests. He asserted, “Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines' security and defense fall within its own sovereign prerogative and are not subject to any foreign veto.” His comments aimed to underline the legitimacy of the Typhon’s deployment during exercises and the importance of enhancing Philippine defense capabilities amid growing apprehensions from neighboring countries.
Despite the concerns raised by Beijing, Lt. Gen. Galido remains resolute. He expressed, “We should not be bothered by others’ seeming insecurities because we don’t have any plans to go outside of our country’s interests.” This sentiment highlights the Philippines' stance on pursuing its military modernization regardless of foreign criticisms.
The Philippines' defense plan takes on new urgency as tensions escalate across the South China Sea, characterized by China’s aggressive militarization of contested areas. The U.S. has actively sought stronger alliances with nations like the Philippines to counterbalance China’s influence. This strategic pivot has also seen heightened focus on regional partnerships, as Manila looks to bolster its naval and air assets.
Galido’s plan to acquire the Typhon missile system is seen as pivotal for maintaining the Philippines' sovereignty against external threats. The nation’s military leadership acknowledges the need for preparedness as the geopolitical environment shifts. The Typhon platform, if acquired, would not only symbolize the country's defense capabilities but also deter potential aggressors from infringing upon its maritime rights.
Moving forward, the Philippine government is working to align its defense strategy with economic realities, balancing procurement timelines and budgetary constraints. With historical tensions flaring, the discussions surrounding the Typhon system mark a significant step toward modernizing military readiness, ideally positioning the Philippines to navigate the complex waters of regional security.
