The inaugural deployment of the U.S.-made anti-ship missile system, designed for mobile, land-based strikes against enemy maritime targets, marks a significant milestone in the evolving Manila-Washington alliance.

Last week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the arrival of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) missile system in the country, though the exact location remains undisclosed.

However, in a news release, the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3D MLR) revealed that the NMESIS missile system will be positioned in Northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands, where maritime key terrain security operations and counter-landing live-fire exercises will be conducted for the Balikatan war games.

In one of the highlights of this year’s 40th iteration of Exercise Balikatan, the US Marines–3d Littoral Combat Team’s Medium-Range Missile Battery and the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade will transport several NMESIS launchers in the northern island chain.

Airlift support will be provided by the U.S. Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and the U.S. Air Force’s 29th Tactical Airlift Squadron. Once on the ground, U.S. and Philippine Marines will jointly establish a Fires Expeditionary Advanced Base.

Although 3d LCT’s MMSL Battery will not launch the NMESIS during Balikatan, 3d MLR’s Fire Support Coordination Center will take advantage of its placement on islands in the Luzon Strait to conduct simulated fire missions.

The NMESIS will provide 3d MLR with enhanced sea denial capability, deepen naval integration, and strengthen deterrence by extending the Joint Force’s ability to target and engage from both land and sea.

“In the Philippines, the NMESIS will also aid in shaping defensive capabilities in accordance with the AFP’s coastal defense strategy,” the 3rd MLR further stated in its release.

The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, is a dedicated U.S. Marine Corps unit specializing in amphibious and littoral warfare operations.

It is being deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific to promote regional security and stability through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with allies and partner nations.

AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said the Philippine and U.S. armed forces will be simulating “full-scale battle” during the Balikatan military drills, which will take place from 21 April to 9 May.

These exercises are seen to focus on territorial defense operations on the islands of Palawan and Luzon, both strategically positioned near hotspots in the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait.

During Balikatan 2023, the U.S. and Philippine forces previously demonstrated their command and control capabilities in a joint sinking exercise.

Nineteen countries have been invited to observe Balikatan 2025, with Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom among those that have confirmed their participation.

The International Observer Program aims to promote transparency and foster cooperation with allies and partners, reinforcing regional solidarity.