The US Air Force and Navy no longer have exclusive capabilities for engaging distant targets. The US Army and Marine Corps have developed long-range strike abilities, using the Army’s ground-launched Typhon System and the Marines’ Tomahawk and Naval Strike Missiles. Deploying these in the Philippines could heighten tensions with China, potentially sparking a regional arms race. However, on the other hand, this deployment could deter Chinese aggression and bolster defense ties with the US, reinforcing collective security in the Asia Pacific.
BY NOEL ADALIA DIMASACAT, PHILIPPINES
FOR TNJ
a 4 mins read.
The world was surprised by the Philippine Balikatan (Shoulder to Shoulder) Military Exercise 2024 when the US Army deployed the Typhon Missile System (aka Mid Range Capability) in northern Luzon island of the Philippines which had several implications in the Asia Pacific regional security and military balance.
GEOPOLITICAL REPERCUSSIONS
The Mid-Range Capability (MRC), The MRC is a United States Army land-based transporter erector launcher for Standard SM-6 Surface to Air Missile and Tomahawk cruise missiles. SM-6 missiles are used to shoot down aircraft, helicopters, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, etc. It is also believed that SM-6 Missiles have a limited capability against hostile hypersonic missiles. Tomahawk cruise missiles can be used to destroy static land targets and mobile sea targets at extended ranges (Block V).
The US Air Force and the US Navy now don’t have a monopoly on engaging hostile targets in the long-range. Both the US Army and the US Marine Corps have developed their own capabilities to hit land and mobile sea targets at considerable range using the US Army ground-launched Typhon System and the USMC ground-launched Tomahawk Missiles and Naval Strike Missiles.
The deployment may escalate tensions between the Philippines and China, as MRC may be perceived as a direct threat not only to Chinese territorial claims, especially in the West Philippine Sea, but the MRC can also hit targets in mainland China. Moreover, other countries in the Asia Pacific region may be necessitated to enhance their own military long-range capabilities in response to the MRC deployment, potentially leading to a Southeast Asian arms race.
The deployment of MRC on the island of Luzon, Philippines could act as a deterrent force against potential aggression from China, providing a stronger defense posture for the Philippines and other South East Asian countries. The long-term deployment of the Typhon System may strengthen defense ties with the United States and other allies, emphasizing collective security commitments in the Asia Pacific region.
Rising military tensions may disrupt trade routes and economic stability in the Asia Pacific, impacting global supply chains and foreign investment, despite US investments in Philippine military infrastructure.
FIRST ISLAND CHAIN
The Philippines, being a critical part of the US First-Island Chain concept, becomes a strategic partner in achieving the objectives of the concept most especially with the presence of the Typhon System. There are mixed reactions within the Philippines about the MRC, with some supporting enhanced defense capabilities and others concerned about increased militarization and potential conflict. The possibility of military conflict is a concern for many Filipinos. The West Philippine Sea dispute is evoking a strong sense of nationalism among Filipinos, fostering unity against external threats. However, this may also lead to divisions within the Philippine society.
Left-leaning communist groups and supporters of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte are mostly against the Typhon deployment whilst supporters of President Marcos Jr. favour the deployment thereof. The presence of the Typhon Missile System may influence local politics too. The battleline for Philippine voters are already drawn – either you will vote for Pro-China, Pro- USA, or Pro-Philippine politicians in the next scheduled elections.
The increased military tensions, if not mitigated, could affect trade routes and economic stability in the Asia Pacific region, potentially leading to global supply chain disruptions. The geopolitical situation has both positive and negative impacts on foreign investment, with businesses weighing the risks of operating in a region experiencing heightened military tensions. Nonetheless, the US has already invested millions of dollars in various Philippine military infrastructure via the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
PHILIPPINE’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The MRC deployment strengthens the military alliance between the Philippines and the United States proving the commitment of the USA in supporting its allies in the Asia Pacific region. On the other hand, the MRC may further strain diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines which may affect cooperation in other areas like trade and investment. Additionally, other ASEAN nations may be pressured to take sides or may seek to mediate, influencing regional dynamics and unity amongst member nations. Additionally, the deployment of the MRC in Luzon Island, Philippines further enhances the defense posture of Taiwan as the Tomahawk Missiles can hit hostile targets in the Taiwan Straight and the Luzon Straight.
Heightened military tensions could disrupt trade routes and economic stability in the Asia Pacific, affecting investment. Effective use of US-backed missile systems requires training and logistical support.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) needs to ensure that its soldiers are equipped, trained, and prepared to operate the Tomahawk and the SM-6 missiles effectively. Moreover, both the US and the Philippine armed forces must provide logistical support for the infrastructure to operate and maintain the weapon system effectively. Using the Typhon system will keep hostile forces at bay as hostile forces will have to contend with the long-range capability of the Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. The Tomahawk Block V missile can both hit land and mobile sea targets in excess of the 1,000-kilometer range.
The deployment of the MRC System augments the AFP’s initiative to enhance its military capabilities through the acquisition of the Philippine Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, navy frigates, corvettes, HiMars, Supersonic Brahmos Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles, etc.
SECURITY & STABILITY
The continued deployment of the Typhon Missile System (Medium Range Capability) in Northern Luzon, Philippines would have a strong impact on Asia Pacific security, geopolitical dynamics, military balance, and Philippine politics. While the Typhon Missiles may strategically enhance the Philippines’ defense capability, it also risks escalating further tensions with China and affecting broader Asia Pacific regional stability. Win-win diplomatic and strategic considerations will be essential in dealing with the complexities of this critical issue, and the end state should lead to security and stability in the region.
(Noel Adalia Dimasacat, is the Chief Technology Officer at Grey Wolf Technologies Philippines. He is the Awardee – World CIO 200-2024 & 2023 – Transformative Technology Leader (Legends Category). The views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The News Analytics Journal.)
