The Typhon mid-range capability (MRC) missile system deployed in the Philippines by the United States will stay for training purposes, Philippine Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said on Friday.
Dema-ala told Manila Standard however that the decision for the MRC’s fate in the country remains in the bilateral decision of both countries.
“MRC will stay for training purposes. But there is also a possibility na anytime magkaroon ng changes sa kanyang status depende sa mapag-usapan sa strategic level,” he noted.
“The Philippine Army is focused lang sa training. We have no control as to the disposition of the MRC,” he continued.
The missile system, able to launch cruise missiles at Chinese targets, was deployed to the Indo-Pacific for joint exercises and prompted condemnation from China and Russia over perceived arms escalation.
Dema-ala said training with MRC involves 50 personnel from the Army Artillery Regiment as the Salaknib Phase 2 is still ongoing and tentatively ends around the 4th week of September.
The US Army showcased the Typhon MRC in the Philippines in April.
