The United States has repositioned its Typhon missile launchers, capable of firing multipurpose missiles over thousands of kilometers, from Laoag Airfield in the Philippines to an undisclosed location on Luzon island. A senior Philippine government official confirmed the move, highlighting the system’s strategic mobility to enhance its survivability during potential conflicts. Citing Reuters the Straits Times reported this on Thursday.
The Typhon system, formally known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking targets in China and Russia, and SM-6 missiles, which can engage air or sea targets over 200 kilometers away. The redeployment is part of a broader U.S. effort to bolster anti-ship defenses in the Indo-Pacific region.
Satellite imagery reviewed by Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies revealed that Typhon launchers and associated equipment were recently loaded onto C-17 transport aircraft at Laoag International Airport. The iconic white rain canopies covering the systems had been removed prior to their transfer, underscoring operational readiness.
Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) confirmed the relocation within the Philippines but declined to specify the new site. Commander Matthew Comer of Indopacom emphasized that the move had been coordinated closely with Philippine authorities and does not signify a permanent deployment of the missile batteries.
Initially deployed in April 2024 during a training exercise, the Typhon system drew sharp criticism from China, which labeled it a destabilizing presence in the region. Russia and China further condemned the deployment in September 2024, accusing the U.S. of fueling an arms race.
Despite the backlash, the Typhon system is a critical component of the U.S. strategy to close the missile capability gap with China in the Indo-Pacific. With over 800 SM-6 missiles set for procurement within five years and thousands of Tomahawk missiles already in stock, the Typhon offers a cost-effective and readily deployable solution.
Both missile types are manufactured by Raytheon, leveraging well-established designs to expedite production and deployment. The U.S. military has not disclosed how many Typhon systems will be stationed in the Indo-Pacific, but their flexibility and rapid redeployment capabilities are key to maintaining strategic balance in the region.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
