United States bringing more missiles, unmanned systems to PH to boost defense training

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that more missiles and allied systems, particularly from the United States (US), are set to be deployed to the country to enhance military training, improve domain awareness, and strengthen its collective defense posture.

The AFP said the move follows commitments made during the 12th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue between the Philippines and the US and aims to strengthen efforts to safeguard sovereignty, defend national territory, and maintain peace and order. "The Armed Forces of the Philippines supports initiatives that enhance our defense capability, interoperability, and readiness in accordance with existing agreements and Philippine laws," Padilla said. "Any deployment of allied systems is intended to strengthen training, improve domain awareness, and support our collective defense posture. These efforts contribute to our mission of protecting Philippine sovereignty, securing our national territory, and maintaining peace and stability in the region," she added.

The joint statement of the Philippines and the United States noted that, as treaty allies, both sides agreed to increase the deployment of advanced missile and unmanned systems in the country.

In the past, China voiced objections to the US sending the Philippines an Army Typhon Medium-Range Capability Missile in 2024 and a NMESIS Anti-Ship Missile during the 2025 Balikatan Exercises.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has not yet announced details about the specific weapons and systems set to be deployed to the Philippines.