US Army fires Typhon for the first time in the Philippines

The US Army has fired a Tomahawk missile from its Typhon weapon system at ‘Balikatan 2026'. (US Army)

The United States Army has fired a Raytheon Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) from its Lockheed Martin Typhon weapon system for the first time in the Philippines at ‘Exercise Balikatan 2026', held across multiple locations from 20 April to 8 May.

State-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported on 5 May that a TLAM was launched the same day in a drill from Tacloban Airport in Leyte at 0012 h local time. Citing Balikatan spokesperson Colonel Dennis Hernandez, PNA reported that the missile struck a target at Laur in Nueva Ecija province, at 0100 h local time. Tacloban is approximately 630 km from Laur.

The US Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also deployed other land-based systems during the exercise, PNA reported. These included the SPYDER air-defence system, the Naval/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), the Avenger short-range air-defence system, and the Marine Air Defence Integrated System (MADIS).

A US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) spokesperson told Janes on 7 May, “Ground-based missile capabilities supporting Balikatan are planned and executed in collaboration with our Filipino allies and designed to enhance joint military capabilities and readiness.

“The use of HIMARS and NMESIS in Balikatan represent increased co-operation and integration of complementary advanced weapons systems. These capabilities improve our combined defensive strength and contribute to regional security and represents a continuation of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific.”

The INDOPACOM spokesperson added, “The integration of our combined forces increases our warfighting capabilities and demonstrates the enduring support the US provides to our regional allies and partners to ensure the peace and prosperity of the region.