Philippines plans to acquire US missile launchers amid rising tensions with China

The Philippines is moving forward with plans to acquire intermediate-range missile launchers (MRC) from the United States, a strategic move that is likely to escalate tensions with China.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed that the country is considering acquiring intermediate-range capability (MRC) launchers, similar to those the US deployed to the Philippines in April during two bilateral military exercises, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“We do intend to acquire capabilities of such sort,” Teodoro stated. “We will not compromise with our right to acquire any such kind of capabilities in the future within our territory.” The US deployment of the Typhon missile system in April marked the first use of an intermediate-range missile system by the US since the termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019. That treaty had prohibited both the US and Russia from developing or deploying nuclear or conventional missile systems with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres. 

Since the exercises, the Typhon launcher has remained stationed in the Philippines. Beijing has condemned both the initial deployment and its continued presence as “provocative” and “destabilizing.” Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, indicated that the military is continuing to train with the launcher, including practicing its mobility, as Manila is “looking at trying to procure” the system.

The comments follow Beijing's criticism of Manila’s defence modernisation efforts and its attempts to safeguard maritime rights. The Philippines, which has long been the United States' oldest military ally in Asia, has strengthened defence cooperation with Washington since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022. 

However, these moves have drawn the ire of China. China summoned the Philippine ambassador to voice objections after Marcos signed two domestic laws that define Manila's sovereign rights in maritime zones and sea lanes, in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the inclusion of reefs, islands, and waters it claims as “illegal.” The acquisition of MRC missile launchers is part of Marcos’ strategy to modernize the Philippine military, enabling it to better detect and deter threats. 

The focus is shifting from countering internal insurgencies to protecting the country’s sovereignty. This modernization drive, supported by a threefold increase in the military budget, also includes the construction of new naval and air bases. Teodoro added that the Typhon system would complement the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles the Philippines purchased from India. “It adds depth and it increases deterrence,” he said.

By Naila Huseynova