A report from the U.S. Congress dated January 23, 2025, highlights a significant step in the evolution of American military posture in the Indo-Pacific. The recent redeployment of Typhon missile launchers within the Philippines reflects this strategic shift. This operation, conducted in January 2025, relocated a missile battery from Laoag Airfield to an undisclosed site on Luzon Island. According to a Philippine government official, the move aims to assess the system’s operational readiness, specifically its mobility and ability to be repositioned quickly to new firing locations.
Deployed during the April 2024 Exercise Salaknib, the Typhon system stayed in the Philippines, drawing international attention and rival criticism (Picture source: US DoD)
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) confirmed that the relocation was carried out in close coordination with Philippine authorities while emphasizing that the deployment does not indicate a permanent stationing of the system in the country.
The Typhon missile system, officially known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System, has played a central role in the U.S. Army’s modernization efforts for long-range precision strike capabilities. Designed to bridge the gap between shorter-range precision munitions and hypersonic weapons, the system integrates land-launched versions of SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. Its first deployment in the Philippines occurred in April 2024 as part of Exercise Salaknib, a joint U.S.-Philippine military drill. Initially intended for training, the system remained in the region throughout 2024, drawing significant international attention and criticism from rival powers.
The Typhon system includes two advanced missiles, each fulfilling distinct roles. The SM-6 missile, with a range of up to 500 kilometers, is a versatile interceptor capable of targeting enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Originally deployed aboard U.S. Navy vessels as part of the Aegis Combat System, the SM-6 has been adapted for land-based operations within the Typhon platform, enhancing its defensive utility in contested environments. In contrast, the Tomahawk cruise missile, with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, is a precision-strike weapon designed to engage high-value targets such as command centers and critical infrastructure. This combination offers operational flexibility for addressing a wide range of threats, particularly in strategic locations such as the South China Sea.
In addition to its technical features, the Typhon system addresses the growing need for mobility and adaptability in military operations. The recent redeployment in the Philippines seeks to evaluate how quickly the system can be repositioned, a key consideration for enhancing its survivability and effectiveness in a potential conflict. This approach aligns with broader U.S. efforts to ensure its assets remain operational in a region characterized by emerging threats and advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems. Furthermore, the system strengthens U.S.-Philippine defense cooperation, providing the Philippines, which faces ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with enhanced security support.
The deployment has not been without controversy. China strongly criticized the presence of the Typhon system in Luzon when it was initially introduced in April 2024, framing it as a destabilizing factor for regional security. Beijing views the deployment as a challenge to its influence and a contributor to militarization in the South China Sea. In September 2024, after the U.S. announced no immediate plans to withdraw the system, China reiterated its concerns, while Russia also condemned the deployment as an escalation of military tensions. These reactions reflect broader concerns about the implications of sustained U.S. military activity in a region of strategic significance.
In response to such criticisms, U.S. officials have maintained that the redeployment is primarily for operational testing and evaluation. However, the broader strategic intent cannot be overlooked, as the system’s presence underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to countering growing military capabilities in the region. This includes addressing China’s expanding missile systems and its claims over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
The redeployment also raises questions about the future of the SMRF program. While the initial plan involved the deployment of four batteries, recent reports suggest that the number could increase to meet the evolving requirements of regional forces. This uncertainty highlights the program’s importance in adapting U.S. military strategies to address emerging challenges posed by competitors such as China and Russia.
The deployment of the Typhon system in the Philippines represents a pivotal adjustment in U.S. defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific. While officially described as temporary, its presence reflects a commitment to maintaining regional security and supporting allies. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the system’s role may provide further insights into whether this deployment remains an operational test or signals a more permanent American military footprint in the region.
