Philippines to Receive Second US Typhon Missile

The United States is preparing to deploy a second Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system to the Philippines, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has welcomed as a valuable opportunity for enhancing military training and cooperation. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to bolster defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions, particularly with China. The Typhon system, capable of reaching up to 370 kilometers, aligns with the Philippines' maritime territorial limits and represents a significant step in ongoing US military support, including a $500-million commitment to Philippine military modernization. The deployment is part of the Balikatan exercises, a long-standing joint military initiative between the US and Philippines aimed at strengthening bilateral security and defense cooperation. While the AFP emphasizes that its defense posture is not targeted at any specific country, it acknowledges the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order. The latest deployment builds on previous exercises and is expected to enhance the readiness and training capabilities of Philippine military personnel.