The United States deployed Typhon strike systems in China's backyard for the first time
The US Army sent elements of its newest land-based missile system, Typhon, also known as Mid-Range Capability (MRC), overseas for the first time to participate in Exercise Salaknib 24 in the Philippines. This was reported on April 15 by the American publication The War Zone (TWZ), citing the US Pacific Command (USARPAC).
Typhon strike systems can fire Tomahawk surface-to-surface and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as SM-6 multi-purpose missiles, originally developed as missiles that can operate as quasi-ballistic munitions for ground strikes .
Typhon's arrival in Luzon sends a powerful signal to Beijing and the wider region. This is a glimpse of what's to come as USARPAC works on plans to permanently station these systems in China's "backyard" (basing these systems in the Western Pacific).
- says the publication.
It is known that one flight of a C-17A Globemaster III from the 62nd Division of the US Air Force transferred one container launcher on a trailer, towed by a tractor of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (1st MDTF) from Lewis-McChord Base (Washington State) . But how many were sent in reality and whether live firing will be carried out is unknown. Where exactly the Typhon components are currently located in the Philippines is also unclear.
According to information previously released by the Army, a full Typhon battery consists of four launchers, a mobile command post on a trailer and other support vehicles and equipment. To move one Typhon battery will require a number of C-17A flights
- clarifies the publication.
At the same time, the US military noted that they are grateful to their Philippine colleagues for their cooperation.
By enhancing our collective readiness with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Salaknib 24 improves our operational capabilities and strengthens the long and strong US-Philippines alliance, demonstrating our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region
- stated in the USARPAC communiqué.
The publication emphasized that sending even one Typhon launcher to the Philippines to participate in the maneuvers is a significant demonstration of the US Army's deployment capabilities. This weapon system poses a new challenge for Chinese forces, especially given the flexibility and agility that the Typhon can offer to engage targets throughout the region in the early stages of a conflict.
The Typhon has more than enough range to reach from Luzon to southeastern mainland China, as well as Hainan Island with its key naval and other bases. China's artificial outposts in the South China Sea will also be within reach. This has an added degree of significance given the current tensions between Beijing and Manila over control of the Scarborough Shoal, which lies west of Luzon.
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