Last week, the U.S. Marine Corps announced that it has begun deploying its new NMESIS anti-ship missile system on the strategic island of Luzon, the largest of the Philippine islands. The development comes less than a month after U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Manila to strengthen ties between the two countries, which are currently engaged in the combined Balikatan 25 exercises.
Expanding on the details, it was the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment that carried out the inaugural deployment of the NMESIS system, marking the closest these types of capabilities have been positioned to mainland China. It’s worth noting that this unit is participating in exercises designed to test its ability to respond to enemy landings and air attacks, in addition to maritime security operations in regional waters.
The anti-ship missile system in question has a packed schedule ahead, as it will form part of the establishment of an Expeditionary Advanced Base in northern Luzon and surrounding islands. This operation involves not only units from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, but also elements of the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade, along with personnel from the U.S. Air Force and Army, who will handle air transport of the NMESIS launchers. It has been emphasized, however, that all activities will be limited to simulated fire drills, without any live-fire missions.
Speaking on these matters, Colonel John G. Lehane, current commander of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, stated: “Working with the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring NMESIS to the Philippines has been a significant step in the right direction toward reaffirming and strengthening U.S.–Philippine relations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are one of our closest and strongest allies, and at the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), we look forward to returning to the Philippines at the AFP’s invitation to train alongside our counterparts in the Philippine Marine Corps and to learn from them.”
From a strategic standpoint, it is important to note that the Luzon Strait lies between the Philippines and Taiwan, measuring 220 miles at its narrowest point. It is a key location not only for maritime trade but also for any potential Chinese amphibious landing aimed at forcibly reunifying Taiwan, as well as for U.S. response forces. In this context, it’s no surprise that the area hosts significant monitoring assets—both above and below the surface—nor that it was chosen for the first deployment of the advanced NMESIS system.
Lastly, it should be mentioned that this deployment is not the only recent U.S. military move in the Philippines focused on China, amid escalating regional tensions over territorial disputes. For example, in early 2024, the U.S. Army deployed its new Mid-Range Capability (MRC), also known as Typhon, to the same island of Luzon. This system is capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles for land-attack missions and SM-6 missiles for targeting airborne threats.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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