US moves Typhon missile launchers to new strategic site in Philippines
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The Typhon launchers, which carry Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of reaching targets in China and Russia from the Philippines, also house SM-6 missiles, which can strike air or sea targets more than 200 km away.
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A Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile launcher is loaded into a US Air Force C-17 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on April 4, 2024. (US Army Pacific)
The US military has relocated its Typhon missile launchers—capable of firing multipurpose missiles over thousands of kilometers—from Laoag Airfield in the Philippines to another location on Luzon island, a senior Philippine government source revealed, as reported by Reuters.
The Typhon launchers, which carry Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of reaching targets in China and Russia from the Philippines, also house SM-6 missiles, which can strike air or sea targets more than 200 kilometers (165 miles) away.
According to the source, the redeployment aims to assess how quickly and effectively the missile battery can be moved to new firing positions, enhancing its mobility and survivability during potential conflicts.
Satellite imagery analyzed by Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies revealed that the missile batteries and related equipment were loaded onto C-17 transport aircraft at Laoag International Airport in recent weeks. The imagery, shared with Reuters, also showed the removal of white rain canopies that had covered the Typhon equipment.
The Philippine government source clarified that the relocation does not indicate the missile launchers will remain in the country permanently.
China's stance
The Typhon system drew criticism from China upon its initial deployment in April 2024 during a training exercise. In September, when the US announced no immediate plans to withdraw the Typhons from the Philippines, both China and Russia condemned the move, accusing it of escalating an arms race.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated these concerns on Thursday, stating, "This deployment is an extremely irresponsible choice for the people of the country, other Southeast Asian nations, and regional security."
Mao also accused the Philippines of creating regional tensions and confrontation, urging it to "correct its wrong practices."
Typhon missile systems, which are relatively simple to produce using existing stockpiles and decade-old designs, offer the US and its allies a way to compete in the Indo-Pacific missile race, where China currently holds a significant advantage.
Although the US has not disclosed the exact number of Typhons planned for deployment in the region, government procurement documents reveal plans to acquire over 800 SM-6 missiles in the next five years. Additionally, thousands of Tomahawk missiles are already part of US military inventories.
Rubio reaffirms unwavering US defense pledge to Philippines
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to defending the Philippines under President Donald Trump’s leadership, amid rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.
In a conversation with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo, Rubio emphasized the US’ steadfast support through the Mutual Defense Treaty. "The United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty remain firm," said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Rubio, known for his strong stance on China, criticized Beijing's actions in the region. He called the activities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) "dangerous and destabilizing" and noted that they "undermine regional peace and stability and are inconsistent with international law," Bruce added.
As a treaty ally and former US colony, the Philippines has consistently received US assurances of support. However, President Trump has previously expressed skepticism about alliances, such as NATO, accusing allies of not contributing enough financially to shared defense responsibilities.
Rubio’s remarks came a day after he issued a veiled warning to Beijing during a meeting with his counterparts from India, Japan, and Australia, signaling continued US vigilance in the South China Sea.
