Philippine Military Plans to Acquire US Typhon Missile System Amid Tensions with China

The Philippine military has announced its intention to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system, a move aimed at bolstering its maritime defenses amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The system, which was initially deployed in the northern Philippines during joint military exercises earlier this year, has since been used by Philippine forces for operational training.

Strengthening Archipelagic Defense

Lieutenant-General Roy Galido, the Philippine Army chief, revealed that the Typhon system aligns with the nation's strategy for archipelagic defense, enabling the military to project force and defend its territorial waters. With a range of 300 miles (480 kilometers), the land-based missile launcher will allow the Philippines to enforce its maritime entitlements up to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers), as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Galido emphasized the importance of this acquisition in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, particularly in areas where its maritime interests overlap with China's claims. “This capability will protect our floating assets, including navy and coast guard vessels,” he said, noting that the final number of systems to be acquired would depend on economic considerations.

A Strategic Yet Controversial Choice

The Typhon missile system, developed by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, has been a focal point of contention between Manila and Beijing. While the Philippines views the system as essential to its defense strategy, China has labeled the move as “provocative” and “dangerous.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning criticized the acquisition as a decision that could lead to an arms race and undermine regional peace and security.

Despite Beijing’s objections, Galido dismissed these criticisms, asserting that the Typhon system is purely for national defense and not intended for offensive actions. “We should not be bothered by others’ seeming insecurities,” he remarked.

Timeline and Challenges

The acquisition process for advanced weapons systems in the Philippines is known to be lengthy, often taking years to move from planning to delivery. The Typhon system has not yet been budgeted for 2025, suggesting it could take at least two years before the system becomes operational. Galido compared the timeline to the delivery of the BrahMos cruise missile, which took five years to procure and integrate into the Philippine defense arsenal.

Context of Escalating Maritime Tensions

The decision to adopt the Typhon system comes at a time of heightened confrontations between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. Chinese naval and coast guard vessels have increasingly challenged Philippine operations in disputed waters, leading to several high-profile incidents.

Beijing continues to assert claims over almost the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its claims. The deployment of the Typhon missile system is seen as part of a broader effort by the Philippines to strengthen its deterrence capabilities and assert its territorial rights.

A Critical Step for National Defense

The Typhon missile system represents a significant step forward in the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts. Its deployment is expected to complement existing maritime and air capabilities, providing a layered approach to safeguarding the nation's vast archipelagic domain.

As the Philippines works to finalize its acquisition plans, the move underscores its commitment to enhancing national security and maintaining stability in the region, despite external pressures and criticisms.