US to remove controversial Typhon missile system from Philippines Easing tensions with China

The Philippine Army has announced that the "lethal" Typhon Weapons System, deployed by the United States during joint military exercises, will soon be removed from the country.

This decision follows rising objections from China regarding the presence of an American medium-range missile system in the region, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Colonel Louie Dema-ala, spokesperson for the Philippine Army, disclosed on July 4 that the US Mid-Range Capability missile system, stationed in northern Philippines since earlier this year, is scheduled for removal by September, potentially sooner.

Colonel Louie Dema-ala stated that the Typhon Weapons System, capable of launching Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, was utilized during annual exercises.

He clarified that while Philippine troops received training on how to handle and maintain the Typhon missile system, it was not used in live-fire exercises.

"The US Army is currently in the process of withdrawing their equipment used during the Balikatan and Salaknib exercises," confirmed Col. Dema-ala, reaffirming the planned removal of the system.

The US's deployment of ground-based launchers for medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region represented a major military maneuver, marking the end of a nearly four-decade hiatus since the signing of the US-Soviet Union Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987. This treaty had previously banned the development and possession of land-based missiles with ranges spanning from 500km to 5,500km. However, the US withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing alleged violations by Moscow and in response to China's advancing military capabilities, particularly in missile technology.

Washington's deployment of missile systems was viewed as a strategic response to perceived threats, especially China's advancements in missile capabilities and its expanding military influence in the Indo-Pacific. In response, China strongly opposed the presence of these missiles in the Philippines, citing concerns about regional stability and security.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun expressed Beijing's dissatisfaction during a security forum in Singapore last month, cautioning against the deployment of medium-range ballistic missiles by the US in the Asia-Pacific region. Minister Dong emphasized that such actions severely undermine regional security and stability, echoing concerns voiced by Chinese leadership regarding increased military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.

Typhon Weapons System In The Indo-Pacific

The Typhon system marks a significant advancement in the US Army's weaponry, tailored for deploying Raytheon's SM-6 missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Designed as a ground-based system, Typhon addresses the operational space between the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which covers a range of 500 kilometers, and the upcoming Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), expected to extend up to 2,776 kilometers.

The SM-6 missiles integrated into Typhon function primarily as short-range ballistic missiles capable of targeting both land-based and maritime assets. These missiles are designated as strategic weapons aimed at high-value targets like command centers and air defense installations.

Meanwhile, the Tomahawk cruise missiles, known for their subsonic capabilities, have a range that allows them to strike targets up to 2,500 kilometers away. These missiles can be launched from warships or submarines, making them versatile for land-attack operations.

The complete Medium-Range Capability (MRC) system includes components such as a battery operations center, four launchers, prime movers, and specially modified trailers. This configuration enhances its mobility and operational flexibility in various deployment scenarios.

Lockheed Martin provided one of the first four prototype Typhon MRC weapon systems to the US Army in December 2022. Testing conducted in July 2023 included four launchers mounted on trailers, along with related equipment, effectively showcasing the system's readiness and capabilities.

The US Army has not yet revealed where the Typhon MRC system will be deployed, but possible locations could include Japan or US territories in the region. However, deploying in Japan presents challenges, particularly regarding public approval and concerns about potential targeting from China.

Other options such as Guam or rotational deployments near US allies in Asia could bolster deterrence against China's military actions, especially in proximity to Taiwan and the contested South China Sea. The Pentagon's analysis of the Chinese military estimates that Beijing has around 1,500 missiles capable of ranges from 1,000 to 5,500 kilometers, providing the People's Liberation Army with substantial capabilities for anti-access and area denial in critical areas.

Experts emphasize that given China's naval dominance, the US's strategy of employing anti-access/area denial tactics, including land-based cruise and anti-ship missiles, is essential for conducting effective multi-domain operations. The Typhon system, in essence, plays a pivotal role in the US Army's efforts to enhance precision strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative aims to counter Chinese threats and strengthen regional deterrence efforts against China's increasing military presence.