The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday defended the deployment of the United States-made mid-range capability (MRC) missile system, also known as Typhon missile launcher, in the country. 

AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Typhon missile system’s presence in the country was part of the “long-standing” defense alliance between the Philippines and the US. 

“The primary objective of this deployment is to strengthen Philippine military readiness, improve our familiarization and interoperability with advanced weapon systems, and support regional security,” Trinidad told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a Viber message. 

Trinidad stressed the governments of the Philippines and the US were closely coordinating with each other “on all aspects” of the MRC deployment, including its positioning around the country. 

“These arrangements reflect shared operational considerations and mutual consultations between our two nations,” he noted. 

Trinidad clarified the duration of the asset deployment depends on the military’s decisions “made in close coordination" with its allies and partners and shall aligned with operational and security requirements.