US recalls potent midrange missiles from Philippines used in South China Sea drills

China has repeatedly criticised the missiles being deployed to the Philippines. No reason was given as to why the US stopped the deployment

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A US surface-to-air missile system is fired for a coastal defence drill during last year’s Balikatan exercises in the Phiilippines. Photo: US Army/Handout

Published: 9:29am, 3 Jul 2024Updated: 9:33am, 3 Jul 2024

A powerful midrange US missile system that Washington has deployed to the Philippines will be returned to the United States in September, according to a Philippine military spokesman.

The missile system was deployed to a northern Philippine province in April for a joint military exercise that ended in June. It was also used for a simulated firing drill during a bilateral exercise in the South China Sea in May.

Colonel Louie Dema-ala of the Philippine Army said on Tuesday the missile system will be returned to the US once other defence equipment used in the two exercises is shipped back. No reason was given as to why Washington has stopped the deployment.

A US Typhon Weapon System, which is capable of firing SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles – with operational ranges of more than 240km (150 miles) and 2,500km, respectively – was deployed to the Philippines for use in the annual Balikatan joint military exercises with the US.

China, which is intensifying its sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea and provocative activities in the waters especially against Philippine vessels, has repeatedly criticised the missile deployment.