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U.S. Military Relocates Typhon Launchers in the Philippines
The United States military has shifted its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag airfield in the Philippines to another undisclosed location on the island of Luzon, according to a senior source within the Philippine government.
These Typhon systems are capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range that allows them to target sites in both China and Russia. Additionally, the launchers can deploy SM-6 missiles, effective against aerial and maritime targets over 200 kilometers (approximately 125 miles) away.
The relocation of these missile systems is intended to assess the speed and efficiency of positioning the batteries for potential firing actions. This enhanced mobility is viewed as crucial for increasing their survivability in the event of military conflict.
Recent satellite imagery has documented the loading of the missile systems and their support equipment onto C-17 transport planes at Laoag International Airport. Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies noted that the rain canopies, which had previously covered the Typhon equipment, were removed prior to the transport.
The Typhon system is part of a broader U.S. strategy to enhance its array of anti-ship weapons throughout Asia.
Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), responsible for overseeing U.S. military operations in the region, confirmed the relocation of the Typhon systems but opted not to disclose their new exact location. Commander Matthew Comer from INDOPACOM emphasized that the U.S. has worked closely with the Philippine government regarding the deployment details, ensuring cooperation on every aspect, including location.
However, Comer pointed out that this relocation does not imply that the missile batteries will have a permanent presence in the Philippines.
The Typhon equipment faced criticism from China when it was first deployed during training exercises in April 2024. In September, following U.S. statements indicating no imminent plans to withdraw the Typhons, both China and Russia condemned the deployment, claiming it contributed to an escalating arms race in the region.
In terms of production, Typhons are relatively uncomplicated to manufacture, leveraging existing designs and substantial stockpiles that have been available for years. This capability could allow the United States and its allies to rapidly enhance their military presence amid a growing Indo-Pacific missile competition, where China holds a significant advantage.
While specific numbers regarding Typhon deployments in the Indo-Pacific have not been disclosed by U.S. military officials, government procurement documents suggest that over 800 SM-6 missiles are expected to be procured in the next five years. Additionally, the U.S. already possesses several thousand Tomahawk missiles in its inventory.
Both the Tomahawk and SM-6 are products manufactured by Raytheon.
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