US to Deploy Land-Based Missiles in Indo-Pacific by 2024

The United States military is set to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific region by deploying ground-based intermediate-range missiles next year, aimed at strengthening deterrence against China. According to reports from Nikkei, the missile options being considered include land-based versions of the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk cruise missile. The ranges of these missiles are reported to be 350 kilometers (217 miles) and 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles), respectively.

The deployment strategy involves the use of the US Army Mid-Range Capability system, also known as the Typhon weapon system. This move is considered advantageous, as land-based missiles are believed to be less detectable and susceptible to enemy attacks compared to alternatives like naval ships and combat aircraft. Additionally, they do not rely on ports and runways for operations.

Rob Phillips, spokesperson for the US Army Pacific, highlighted the strategic importance of this deployment, emphasizing the need for capabilities that can counter potential threats to US naval bases in the western Pacific without exposing ships or aircraft to risks.

The decision to deploy missiles with such ranges comes after the expiration of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. The treaty, established in 1987, had prohibited the development and possession of land-based missiles with ranges between 500 kilometers (311 miles) and 5,500 kilometers (3,417 miles) by the US and Russia.

China, during the period of the treaty, significantly expanded its missile arsenal, currently possessing 1,500 munitions with ranges ranging from 1,000 kilometers (622 miles) to 5,500 kilometers. Experts believe that the potential deployment location for the new missiles could be the US territory of Guam, strategically positioned around 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) from the Chinese mainland. However, reluctance from neighboring countries like Japan and the Philippines to host these missiles due to concerns of becoming potential targets has been noted.

While the army has not officially disclosed the deployment location, analysts suggest that these missiles may be permanently stationed on US territories in the region, primarily Guam. The prospect of allies allowing rotational deployments during crises remains uncertain, contingent on future political dynamics.