US deploys anti-ship missile system to PH for Balikatan 2025

Metro Manila, Philippines - The US-made anti-ship missile system is now in the country ahead of the annual Balikatan joint military exercises, an official said.

Brig. Gen. Michael Logico, director of the Balikatan exercises, confirmed the presence of the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) during a recent military briefing, but withheld specific details about its location for security reasons.

“I will confirm that, uh, it's already in the country. I will not say where, but it is going to participate. It's going to be part of the exercises,” said Logico.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth first announced the NMESIS deployment during his recent visit to Manila.The presence of the missile system aims to further strengthen the deterrence posture amid regional tensions.

The NMESIS is the second US missile system stationed in the country after the mid-range capability Typhon system earlier this year. The Typhon was first used during Balikatan drills and remains in the country, most recently spotted in Ilocos Norte - close to the Taiwan Strait, a hotspot of geopolitical tension due to China’s territorial claims.

China has repeatedly opposed the presence of US missile systems in the Philippines, warning that such these escalate regional instability.