Exercise Balikatan 25: US Deploys NMESIS Ship-Sinking Missiles to the Philippines

In a significant move amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, the United States has deployed ship-sinking NMESIS missiles to the Philippines. This deployment is part of the Exercise Balikatan 25, which aims to grow the defense capabilities of the Philippines and demonstrate the strength of the US-Philippines alliance.

Details of the Deployment

The United States has introduced the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) to the Philippines. This system includes remote-operated vehicles equipped with Naval Strike Missile containers, capable of targeting enemy vessels from over 100 nautical miles away. The NMESIS launchers have been strategically positioned in northern Luzon, with plans to airlift them to the Batanes islands for simulated missions.

The deployment of NMESIS to the Philippines holds substantial geopolitical significance. It represents a robust response to China’s increasing military activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The Luzon Strait, where these missiles are deployed, is a critical chokepoint for Chinese naval access to the Pacific Ocean.

The NMESIS, a ground-based anti-ship missile system, features a remotely operated vehicle with two Naval Strike Missile containers. It is designed to support sea denial and control by engaging ships from over 100 nautical miles (115 miles) away. By positioning these missiles in the Philippines, the US aims to enhance sea denial and control capabilities, thereby restricting China’s naval movements and asserting its dominance in the region.

What is NMESIS Missile System?

• Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS)
• Land Based which targets to strike maritime assets with precision
• Anti-Ship Capability
• Mounted on an unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicle
• 115 Miles Range
• Onboard Target Recognition Database and Imaging Infrared Seeker
• GPS, Inertial Sensors and Terrain Reference System
• Manufactured Jointly by Raytheum USA & Kongsberg Gruppen Norway

What is Balikatan Exercise?

The Balikatan Exercise is an annual military training event between the Philippines and the United States, with the term “Balikatan” meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, symbolizing the close partnership between the two nations. It is the largest bilateral military exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military, aimed at enhancing interoperability, readiness, and cooperation in areas such as maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, cyber defense, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.

The Balikatan exercise, which began in 1991, strengthens the U.S.-Philippine alliance under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and has evolved to include participation from other nations, such as Australia (since 2014) and France (in 2024). It often involves complex missions, including maritime strikes, air and missile defense, and dynamic missile strikes, with recent iterations testing advanced systems like the M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and, in 2025, the NMESIS anti-ship missile system. Balikatan 2024 included over 16,000 troops and featured drills in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, reflecting a focus on territorial defense amid regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea.

Impact on China & China’s Response

China views this deployment as a direct challenge to its military expansion and influence in the South China Sea. The presence of US ship-sinking missiles in the Philippines could potentially choke Chinese naval routes, limiting their operational flexibility and strategic reach.

This move is likely to escalate tensions between the US and China, as it undermines China’s efforts to assert control over disputed waters and strengthens the US’s strategic position in the Western Pacific

China has expressed strong opposition to the US’s military activities in the region. Chinese officials have condemned the deployment, labelling it as a provocative act that threatens regional stability. In response, China has increased its military presence in the South China Sea, conducting naval exercises and enhancing its defense capabilities to counter the perceived threat from the US and its allies.

The deployment of NMESIS ship-sinking missiles to the Philippines by the United States shows a big escalation in the ongoing geopolitical struggle in the South China Sea. Philippines has already received BrahMos cruise Missiles from India. This move is a booster ingredient to the US-Philippines alliance and at the same time serves as a strategic countermeasure against China’s military expansion. As tensions continue to rise, the region remains a focal point of international attention, with potential implications for global security and stability.