US relocates Typhon missile battery in Philippines

The US military has moved Typhon launchers from Laoag airport to another location on the Philippine island of Luzon.

According to Reuters on January 23, citing a source in the Philippine government, the redeployment of the Typhon launchers will help determine the location and speed of the missile complex to a new firing position. That mobility is considered a way to help the above weapons systems have a higher chance of survival in conflict.

Satellite image on December 30, 2024 at Laoag International Airport (Philippines) shows that the roof of the Typhon system is still intact.

Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (Monterey, USA) assessed satellite images showing Typhon batteries and related equipment being loaded onto C-17 transport aircraft at Laoag International Airport in recent weeks. Satellite images showed that the Typhon equipment canopies had also been removed.

Satellite image on January 8, 2025 at Laoag International Airport (Philippines) shows the roof of the Typhon system has disappeared.

The US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), which oversees US forces in the region, confirmed to Reuters that the Typhons had been “relocated within Philippine territory.” Both INDOPACOM and the Philippine government declined to provide specific locations where the batteries were moved.

“The U.S. government has been working closely with the Philippine government on all aspects of the Typhon deployment, including the location,” INDOPACOM Commander Matthew Comer said. He added that the relocation does not mean the batteries will be permanently stationed in the Philippines.

The Typhon system is part of a US campaign to stockpile a variety of anti-ship weapons in Asia, Reuters reported. The US deployed the Typhon medium-range missile system to the northern Philippines in early 2024 to serve joint exercises with allies. However, after the exercises ended, the system remained in the Philippines, despite China's objections.

Philippines accuses China of sending 'monster' ship to the East Sea

China's Foreign Ministry on January 23 accused the Philippines of stirring up tensions and confrontation in the region. "The deployment is also an extremely irresponsible choice for the people of China and many Southeast Asian countries, as well as for regional security," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-doi-cho-khau-doi-ten-lua-typhon-o-philippines-185250123155000606.htm