Philippines and US Bolster Defenses with Advanced Missile Systems in Balikatan Exercises

In a significant display of military cooperation, Filipino and American forces have launched missile strikes near the West Philippine Sea, marking their first-ever integrated air and missile defense exercise. The drills, conducted on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Zambales, are part of the annual “Balikatan” exercises, the largest joint military training between the Philippines and the United States, involving approximately 17,000 troops. Running until May 9, these exercises underscore a deepening alliance amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Advanced Weaponry on Display

Central to Sunday’s drills was the deployment of the US Marine Corps’ Marine Air Defense Integrated System (Madis), a cutting-edge air defense platform designed to counter unmanned aerial systems. Deployed overseas for the first time, Madis successfully neutralized several drones simulating enemy cruise missiles at a naval base facing the West Philippine Sea, part of Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the disputed South China Sea. Working alongside the Philippine Air Force’s Spyder surface-to-air missile system, the exercise aimed to create a unified approach to airborne threats.

“We’re in the infancy of integration. But this was a good step forward as far as integrating both capabilities [is concerned]” said Lt. Col. Matthew Sladek of the US Marine Corps, speaking to reporters after the event. The collaboration represents a pivotal moment in enhancing the interoperability of the two forces, a critical factor in addressing regional security challenges.

Additionally, the US military introduced the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), an anti-ship missile launcher, in Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines facing Taiwan. Filipino and American troops rehearsed positioning NMESIS using a US Air Force C-130 aircraft, simulating an island-retaking scenario described as “maritime key terrain security operations.” This deployment marks another milestone in the strategic positioning of advanced weaponry in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Implications Amid Regional Tensions

The Balikatan exercises come at a time of heightened friction in the South China Sea, where Beijing has increasingly asserted its claims over nearly the entire maritime region, often in conflict with neighboring countries like the Philippines. China has also intensified its military activities around Taiwan, raising concerns about potential escalation. While both the US and Philippine governments have emphasized that the exercises are not directed at any specific adversary, the timing and nature of the drills—focusing on a “full-scale battle scenario” this year—suggest a clear intent to bolster defensive capabilities in contested waters.

“The introduction of NMESIS into the first island chain for sea denial, sea control is another step in our force design journey” said US Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, speaking to a select group of journalists during the transport of the missile system to Batanes. He clarified the purpose of the deployment, stating, “We’re not here practicing a war plan. We’re practicing for the defense of the Philippines.”

However, questions linger about the duration of the US military presence in strategic locations like Batanes. When asked if the anti-ship missile system would remain after the exercises, Cederholm was noncommittal. “We don’t broadcast when we’re going in, when we’re coming out and how long things are going to stay” he said, adding, “All I’ll say is we’re here at the invitation and with the support of the Philippine government.”

Chinese Presence During Drills

The exercises were not without external observation. On Saturday, April 26, three Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessels were spotted approximately 111 kilometers (60 nautical miles) west of Palauig, Zambales, during a multilateral maritime event involving Philippine, US, and Japanese naval forces. The Philippine Navy reported that the training proceeded without disruption, asserting that the activities of the Chinese vessels were addressed in accordance with international law and protocols. “Philippine Navy ships remain focused on their training objectives alongside our allies” a navy spokesperson stated on Sunday.

Further complicating the regional dynamics, China’s aircraft carrier group was observed sailing near Batanes last week. Additionally, Chinese state media reported mid-April claims of the China Coast Guard “implementing maritime control” over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in China, near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island—a key Philippine outpost in the Spratly Islands. The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea downplayed these reports, while an interagency maritime operation involving the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy noted the “illegal presence” of Chinese vessels near the sandbars.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges Manila faces in asserting its sovereignty over disputed territories, even as it strengthens military ties with allies like the United States. The presence of Chinese vessels during Balikatan underscores the delicate balance of power in the region, where exercises intended to enhance security can also provoke reactions from neighboring powers.

Broader Context of US-Philippine Military Cooperation

The Balikatan exercises, which translate to “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, have been a cornerstone of US-Philippine military relations for decades. This year’s iteration continues to build on previous deployments of advanced systems, such as the Typhon midrange missile system, which was introduced to the Philippines in 2024. Capable of striking targets thousands of kilometers away, Typhon’s presence has drawn strong objections from Beijing, which views the deployment of such systems as a direct challenge to its regional influence.

The inclusion of high-end gear like Madis and NMESIS with the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment—a rotating force positioned throughout the Indo-Pacific—signals a shift toward more agile and technology-driven military strategies. “Where you see a Marine Littoral Regiment, you will see NMESIS, you will see Madis, air control radars, sensors, and UAVs. That is the uniqueness of the weapon system and it’s part of our formation” said Col. John Lehane of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.

For the Philippines, the exercises offer an opportunity to modernize its military capabilities and reinforce its position in territorial disputes. The West Philippine Sea, encompassing parts of the South China Sea within Manila’s exclusive economic zone, remains a flashpoint, with frequent encounters between Philippine and Chinese vessels. The integration of systems like Spyder with US technology during Balikatan is a practical step toward enhancing the country’s defensive posture, though it also risks escalating tensions with China if perceived as provocative.

Domestic and International Reactions

Domestically, the exercises have elicited mixed responses. While many in the Philippine military and government view the partnership with the US as essential for national security, some activists and political groups express concern over the potential for the country to be drawn into broader geopolitical conflicts. The absence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from the drills—he departed for the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis—also drew attention, with some analysts suggesting it reflects the balancing act Manila must perform between domestic priorities and international alliances.

Internationally, the exercises have not gone unnoticed. Japan’s participation in the multilateral maritime event alongside the US and Philippines signals a growing coalition of nations concerned about stability in the South China Sea. However, China’s repeated objections to US military deployments in the region, particularly systems like Typhon, indicate that such cooperation could further strain diplomatic relations. If unaddressed, these tensions may lead to more frequent maritime encounters or even miscalculations with far-reaching consequences.

Looking Ahead

As the Balikatan exercises continue through early May, the focus on advanced missile systems and integrated defense strategies highlights the evolving nature of military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. Yet, the presence of Chinese naval vessels and ongoing disputes over reefs like Sandy Cay serve as stark reminders of the complex security environment in the South China Sea. For Manila, the challenge lies in leveraging international partnerships to safeguard its interests while avoiding actions that could ignite a broader conflict. As these drills unfold, the region watches closely, aware that each maneuver carries implications beyond the training grounds of Zambales and Batanes.