MANILA, Philippines – The recent deployment of a midrange missile system by the U.S. Army to the northern Philippines has been hailed as a significant step in strengthening the military alliance between the United States and the Philippines. The deployment has allowed American and Filipino forces to jointly train for potential usage of such heavy weaponry in the unique conditions of the Asian archipelago.
According to U.S. Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, Commanding General of the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division, the deployment of the Typhon missile system has provided an opportunity to understand how to effectively use the weapon in the region’s environmental challenges. He emphasized the importance of working alongside Filipino partners to integrate the missile system into their operations.
Last year, the U.S. also deployed the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) in the Philippines, which can fire GPS-guided missiles capable of hitting distant targets. This capability was successfully tested in the archipelago environment with the use of fixed-wing aircraft. These joint operations have been deemed incredibly important in enhancing combat readiness and strengthening the alliance between the two countries.
The deployment of the Typhon missile system, which was initially supposed to be flown out of the Philippines last month, has been extended indefinitely to boost deterrence against China’s aggressive actions in the region. This decision was made despite China’s expressions of alarm over the increased presence of American combat forces in Asia.
U.S. Maj. Gen. Evans, who recently visited Manila to start talks with Philippine army counterparts on holding annual military exercises, expressed his commitment to further enhancing the alliance between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of the Salaknib drills, which aim to boost the combat-readiness of thousands of American and Filipino troops in increasingly realistic settings.
The upcoming Salaknib drills are expected to be larger and more complex, with joint training maneuvers planned from the jungles in the northern Philippines to former U.S. military bases in the region. The U.S. is also planning to bring new equipment to train alongside their Filipino army teammates, further enhancing their capabilities.
“Our job is to get 1% better each day alongside our Filipino army teammates in terms of readiness,” said Maj. Gen. Evans. “Those relationships that are built, the readiness that is developed, should remove any doubt about the importance of our alliances and the work we do here with the Philippine army.”
The U.S.-Philippine alliance was further strengthened during a ceremony on Sunday, marking the anniversary of a historic moment in their relations. In October 1944, U.S. Gen. Douglas Macarthur fulfilled his promise to return to the Philippines by wading ashore into the coast of central Leyte province to help lead the liberation of the country from Japanese occupation forces.
On Monday, Maj. Gen. Evans and his men paid their respects at the American Cemetery in metropolitan Manila, the largest U.S. World War II cemetery and memorial in the world. The ceremony at Leyte Gulf reflected the long history that has bonded American and Filipino forces in war and peace.
“That trust was built over eight decades,” said Maj. Gen. Evans, highlighting the strong bond between the two countries. The U.S. and the Philippines have a shared history and a deep-rooted alliance that has stood the test of time.
The U.S. Army’s deployment of the Typhon missile system and other advanced weaponry in the Philippines is a clear indication of the Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening its military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. This move is seen as a strategic step in countering China’s aggressive actions and maintaining stability in the region.
The U.S. and the Philippines have a long-standing alliance that has proven to be crucial in times of conflict and peace. The joint training exercises and deployment of advanced weaponry will not only enhance the combat readiness of both countries but also serve as a strong deterrent against any potential threats in the region.
As Maj. Gen. Evans stated, “Our job is to get 1% better each day.” With the continued collaboration and joint efforts between the U.S. and the Philippines, the alliance between the two countries will only grow stronger, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
