The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday confirmed the first-ever live firing of the United States’ Typhon mid-range capability (MRC) missile system in the country during Exercise Balikatan 2026.

Balikatan spokesperson Col. Dennis Hernandez said the system launched a Tomahawk land attack missile from the Tacloban Airport, hitting a target inside Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija.

“The weapon system used was the Typhon, a medium-range capability missile armed with a Tomahawk missile,” Hernandez said, adding that the projectile was an inert round with no explosive payload, as the exercise focused on precision and operational procedures.

He said it was the first time the Typhon system had been fired in the Philippines since its deployment in 2024.

Joint operations, training focus

Hernandez said the live-fire drill was part of a crossover activity between the Balikatan and Salaknib exercises, in coordination with the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division, the Multi-Domain Task Force, and Philippine Army units.

“This is a land-based activity between the 25th Infantry Division and the Philippine Army. The Tomahawk missile supported that operation,” he said.

He said Filipino troops participated in target acquisition, tracking, and command-and-control operations to build familiarity with advanced missile systems under the AFP modernization program.

“These personnel are expected to operate missile systems in the future,” he said.

Not directed at any country

Hernandez rejected concerns that the missile firing was aimed at any nation, amid renewed criticism from China over the presence of the US missile system in the Philippines.

“This activity is not directed at any country,” he said. “We are strengthening our capability and knowledge in advanced technology.”

He said the AFP had the right to enhance its defense capability, especially in areas involving sovereignty and territorial defense.

“It is the inherent right of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to strengthen its capabilities,” he said. “Now is the right time to gain technology and technical know-how, especially for advanced systems like missiles.”

No explosive payload, precision test

According to Hernandez, the Tomahawk missile carried no explosive warhead and was designed to test targeting accuracy.

“We are just measuring impact and precision,” he said, noting the system’s long-range guidance capability.

Criticism from groups

The exercise drew criticism from the Koalisyong Makabayan, which warned that the activity with the missile could expose the country to geopolitical risks and safety concerns, saying the Philippines was being turned into a “playground for foreign military interests.”

The AFP, however, maintained that the activity was purely for training and interoperability, stressing that it was not directed at any country but aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ defense readiness.