NMESIS missile system now in PH for Balikatan 2025 — AFP

The United States has deployed its Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in the Philippines for this year’s Balikatan joint military exercises, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.

“The NMESIS I will confirm that it's already in the country. I will not say where but it is going to participate, it is going to be a part of the exercises,” Balikatan spokesperson Brigadier General Michael Logico said at a press conference.

Asked if they are planning to keep the anti-ship missile system in the Philippines, US 1st Marine Expeditionary Force’s Colonel Doug Krugman said they would “certainly look to participate” if the equipment is appropriate for more exercises in the country.

“If there's another exercise going in the Philippines shortly after Balikatan and that equipment is appropriate and requested for it by the AFP, we would certainly look to participate in that exercise as well,” Krugman.

“But it is here for exercise purposes,” he added.

In March, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of the anti-ship missile system for Balikatan. 

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

“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.

Balikatan drills with the Philippine and US forces are set to start on April 21.

According to Logico, a total of 14,000 troops, including 9,000 from the US and 5,000 from the Philippines, are expected to participate in the annual exercise. Around 200 troops from Australia will also join in the Balikatan.

Other countries will participate as observers in the drills including Czech Republic, Poland, Colombia, among others.

For this year’s Balikatan, the Philippine and US troops will engage in a full battle exercise. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News