The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday welcomed reports that the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM) plans to deploy an additional battery of the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Typhon missile system to the country.
“This is a welcome development for the AFP. We could say the more, the merrier. The more assets we have, the more also that we are able to train our personnel,” AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“The Philippine Army welcomes this because it will expedite the training of our personnel,” added Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala.
A report by US-based Defense News said that the US Army’s 3rd Multidomain Task Force is preparing to establish its long-range fires battalion over the next year, including the deployment of a second Typhon missile battery to the Pacific region.
This will be the Army’s second such missile system in the area. The first Typhon missile battery was deployed to the Philippines in April 2024 during the joint Salaknib and Balikatan exercises and has remained in the country since then.
China has criticized the deployment, claiming it “creates tensions and antagonism in the region.”
Despite these concerns, Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad clarified that the country’s defense posture is not aimed at any specific nation.
He welcomed the potential arrival of a second Typhon missile battery, emphasizing its role in strengthening national defense.
“We welcome all opportunities to be able to train with modern weapon systems. The defense posture of the Republic of the Philippines is not designed against any other country. It is an action of a sovereign state,” Trinidad said.
China has previously urged the Philippines to withdraw the US’ Typhon missile launchers from its territory.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proposed a compromise, expressing a willingness to remove the weapon system if Beijing ceases its aggressive actions in the WPS.
Meanwhile, the AFP reiterated that no foreign power can dictate how Manila strengthens its national defense.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “AFP welcomes possible deployment of 2nd Typhon missile.”