The US is relocating a Typhon missile battery in the Philippines.

The U.S. military has moved Typhon launchers from Laoag Air Base to another location on the Philippine island of Luzon.

According to Reuters on January 23, citing a source in the Philippine government , the redeployment of Typhon launchers will help determine the location and speed of the missile system's movement to a new firing position. This mobility is considered a way to increase the survivability of these weapon systems in conflict.

Satellite imagery from December 30, 2024, at Laoag International Airport (Philippines) shows that the Typhon system's roof is still intact.

Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (Monterey, USA) assessed that satellite imagery shows Typhon batteries and related equipment being loaded onto C-17 transport aircraft at Laoag International Airport in recent weeks. Satellite imagery also shows that the covers protecting the Typhon equipment have been removed.

Satellite imagery from January 8, 2025, at Laoag International Airport (Philippines) shows that the roof covering the Typhon system has disappeared.

The U.S. Indo- Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), the unit overseeing U.S. forces in the region, confirmed to Reuters that the Typhon had been "relocated within Philippine territory." Both INDOPACOM and the Philippine government declined to provide the specific location to which the batteries were moved.

"The U.S. government has been working closely with the Philippine government on all aspects of the Typhon deployment, including location," said INDOPACOM Commander Matthew Comer. He added that the relocation does not mean the batteries will be permanently stationed in the Philippines.

The Typhon system is part of a U.S. campaign to stockpile a variety of anti-ship weapons in Asia, Reuters reported. The U.S. deployed the Typhon medium-range missile system to northern the Philippines in early 2024 for joint exercises with allies. However, after the exercises concluded, the system remained in the Philippines, despite objections from China.

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The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the Philippines on January 23 of creating tension and confrontation in the region. "The deployment is also an extremely irresponsible choice for the people of China and many Southeast Asian countries, as well as for regional security," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-doi-cho-khau-doi-ten-lua-typhon-o-philippines-185250123155000606.htm