LOGIC.co.id – The United States (US) has taken another strategic step in Southeast Asia by deploying Typhon medium-range missile systems in the Philippines. This move is seen as a reinforcement of military cooperation between the two nations while escalating tensions in the South China Sea disputes involving China.
Major General Marcus Evans, Commander of the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, stated in an interview in Manila that the deployment of these missiles is a crucial part of the US strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. Typhon enables US and Philippine forces to train in heavy weaponry operations and enhance readiness to address military challenges in the region.
Typhon: Technology and Capabilities
The Typhon missile system is capable of launching Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) for medium-range targets and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. During a joint exercise scheduled for April, Typhon will play a key role in integrating this advanced technology into the Philippine military strategy.
According to General Evans, the archipelagic environment of the Philippines presents unique challenges compared to other training locations. “The presence of Typhon provides an opportunity to understand how this technology can be maximized in real operational scenarios,” Evans explained.
US-Philippines Cooperation and Tensions with China
The deployment is part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed in 2014. EDCA allows the US to use several military bases in the Philippines on a rotational basis, including for large-scale exercises like Salaknib.
Initially planned as a temporary measure, the Typhon system is now set to remain in the Philippines indefinitely, following a request from General Romeo Brawner Jr., the Philippine military chief. This move has drawn sharp criticism from China, which labeled it a threat to regional stability. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the missile presence could heighten tensions in the South China Sea.
Salaknib Exercises and Future Military Cooperation
Next year’s Salaknib joint exercise is expected to be one of the largest between the US and the Philippines, focusing on combat readiness. New technologies like Typhon will be utilized to test operational efficiency and integration in modern warfare scenarios.
Evans revealed that this year’s exercise will be more complex than previous iterations. “We are bringing in more new equipment that was unavailable last year. This training aims to enhance synergy between US and Philippine forces,” he said.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Response
This decision further solidifies the Philippines’ role as a strategic US partner in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, China, which has ongoing territorial disputes with the Philippines, views the move as a threat. In recent years, the South China Sea has become a hotspot for geopolitical tensions involving major powers, with overlapping territorial claims frequently sparking confrontations.
Through its military policies, the Philippines aims to bolster its regional standing by aligning more closely with the US. However, this situation raises questions about the balance of power in Southeast Asia and how other nations will respond to the evolving geopolitical dynamics.
