The acquisition of a United States-made mid-range capability (MRC) missile system is advantageous for the country due to its "feasible functionality and adaptability," the Philippine Army’s commanding general said Monday.

Army Chief LtGen. Roy Galido said the  Philippines is planning and negotiating the acquisition of a missile system such as the US-made MRC, which could be a vital platform in defending the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

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

Filipino troops have been training the use of MRC with their American counterparts since its deployment 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 remarks, noting that "it is only paramount" for the Philippine Army to improve its interoperability, readiness, and platform capabilities to defend the country’s territorial integrity. 

“The purpose of that — why it was established here — is to train and expose the Army on 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 noted. 

Galido lamented “we should not be bothered by others' seemingly 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 Army and expose the Army on new platforms to be able to defend a territory,” he further stressed.

Galido likewise noted that 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. 

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

“One of our inputs is to be able to defend our sovereignty [is] through this type of platform.”

Galido pointed out the Philippines is currently working with the United States and other allied nations on the acquisition of various military platforms.

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

“The plan is there. It's a national policy,” he noted. 

Galido stressed that acquiring military platforms usually takes a minimum of two years after the Congressional approval of the budget.

He did not give any details on the exact number of MRC missile systems eyed to be acquired. 

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

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

The Philippines recently acquired an Indian — made BrahMos medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile delivered earlier this year. 

“We are wanting to get more of the latest weapon systems — that includes the mid-range capability,” Brawner said.