US to deploy NMESIS missile system during Balikatan 2025

The United States will deploy advanced military capabilities to the Philippines, including the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), during this year’s Balikatan joint military exercise, the US Department of Defense announced Friday.

Following a meeting with Philippine officials, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said both countries agreed on the next steps to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. 

This includes utilizing the US’ ongoing $500 million commitment in foreign military financing and other security assistance for the Philippines’ military modernization.

“First, we agreed that the United States will deploy additional advanced capabilities to the Philippines. This includes using the NMESIS, anti-ship missile system, and highly capable unmanned surface vehicles in exercise Balikatan this April,” Hegseth said.

“These systems will enable US Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to train together on using advanced capabilities to defend the Philippines' sovereignty,” he added.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the NMESIS deployment, emphasizing its role in modernizing the country’s military.

“The deployment of the NMESIS and other unmanned surface vehicles will hasten the introduction of these technologies into the vista of the Philippine Armed Forces and will train our troops for the higher technological capabilities that we need for effective deterrence in the future,” Teodoro said.

In addition to deploying NMESIS, Hegseth outlined other key initiatives agreed upon by the US and the Philippines to bolster regional security:

• Conducting advanced bilateral Special Operations Forces training in the Batanes Islands
• Publishing a bilateral defense industrial cooperation vision statement
• Launching a bilateral cybersecurity campaign

Regarding reports of a second Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) deployment, Teodoro declined to confirm or deny the matter.

 “On the multi-medium range capabilities, we will neither confirm nor deny any deployments," he stated. "We will train as we see fit, and the Philippine Armed Forces will equip as it sees fit.” — DVM, GMA Integrated News