Army eyes U.S.-made mid-range missiles

The acquisition of a US-made mid-range capability (MRC) missile system is seen as beneficial to the country due to its “feasible functionality and adaptability,” said the Philippine Army’s commanding general on Monday.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido confirmed the Philippines is negotiating the purchase of the MRC missile system, which is expected to bolster the defense of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The MRC system, designed for long-range precision hits, can strike targets over considerable distances and serve as a powerful deterrent to external threats.

“Yes, there are plans, there are negotiations because we see its feasibility and adaptability,” Galido said during a year-end media briefing at Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Filipino troops have been training in the use of the MRC with their American counterparts since its deployment in the country in April.

The Chinese government has repeatedly condemned the presence of the US-made missile system in the Philippines, claiming it “undermines regional peace and stability.”

Galido, however, dismissed China’s statement, noting that “it is only paramount” that the Philippine Army improve its interoperability, readiness, and platform capabilities to defend the country’s territory.

“The purpose of that — why it was established here—is to train and expose the Army to new platforms to be able to defend a territory, and it’s a defense platform that if the Philippines would be acquiring, then very good, because it is very functional and adaptable to our situation,” he said.

Galido stressed that “we should not be bothered by others’ seeming insecurities.”

“We are very much appreciative of our ally and our counterparts because that asset is managed by the United States Pacific Army and the purpose of that, why it was established here, is to train the Philippine Army and expose it to new platforms to be able to defend a territory,” he said.

Galido noted the Army was tasked to come up with plans as part of its contribution to the country’s implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

“The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept requires that we are able to protect the country’s interests and that interest is our 200-nautical mile EEZ,” Galido said.

“One of our inputs is to be able to defend our sovereignty through this type of platform,” he added.

Galido noted the Philippines is currently working with the United States and other allied nations to acquire various military platforms.

“There’s a long list of new platforms the Army has planned for and is working with, not only with the United States but other allied countries for the numerous platforms that we need to defend our land,” he said.

“The plan is there; it’s a national policy,” he said.

Galido noted that acquiring a military platform usually takes a minimum of two years after Congress approves the budget. He did not give the number of MRC missile systems to be acquired.

In late August, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military was considering acquiring additional mid-range missile systems to boost the country’s credible deterrence.

Recognizing the importance of developing a “self-reliant defense posture,” Brawner said the move is part of the military transformation roadmap to become a world-class armed force.

The Philippines received earlier this year the India-made BrahMos medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile.

“We are looking to acquire more of the latest weapon systems, including those with mid-range capability,” said Brawner.