US to Expand Missile Deployments to Philippines

The United States and the Philippines have committed to broadening their military cooperation, announcing plans to continue and expand the deployment of cutting-edge US missile platforms to Philippine territory.

Advanced Missile Systems to Be Increased

Following high-level talks in Manila, officials confirmed that both sides would “continue and work to increase deployments” of US missile and unmanned systems. The announcement signals a sustained US military presence in the Southeast Asian nation amid rising regional security concerns.

In 2024, the United States deployed the Typhon missile system to the Philippines. The ground-based launcher is capable of firing multipurpose missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles with ranges sufficient to reach large parts of mainland China. Beijing has previously described the deployment as potentially destabilizing.

The US also sent its NMESIS anti-ship missile system to the Philippines during annual joint military exercises. These drills included operations in northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands — areas strategically located near Taiwan.

South China Sea Tensions at the Forefront

Washington has backed Manila’s efforts to counter China’s sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines considers within its exclusive economic zone.

In a statement released by the US Department of State, both countries condemned what they described as China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities” in the disputed waters, warning of their adverse impact on regional stability.

When asked whether the Typhon system remains on Philippine soil, Philippine Army chief Antonio Nafarrete declined to comment directly, describing it as an operational security matter.

Expanding Strategic and Economic Cooperation

Beyond missile deployments, the two allies agreed to convene a fifth “2+2” meeting later this year in the United States, bringing together defense and foreign affairs officials from both nations.

The talks also advanced plans for economic cooperation. In 2026, Manila is set to host the first Luzon Economic Corridor forum, aimed at driving infrastructure investment. The corridor initiative, originally launched in 2024 after a trilateral meeting between the United States, Japan and the Philippines, includes plans for a freight railway linking two former US military bases on Luzon island.

The expanded military and economic engagement underscores the strengthening US-Philippines alliance at a time of intensifying strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.