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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
April 28, 2025 | 12:00am
The NMESIS is a land-based anti-ship missile system mounted on a remotely controlled vehicle equipped with two Naval Strike Missile launchers.
Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau Chief LTC John Paul Salgado, PA / Released
MANILA, Philippines — The United States has deployed its Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) missiles for the ongoing Balikatan exercise in Luzon.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday announced the deployment of NMESIS, for the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations-North events in Batanes, an activity where armed forces practice retaking an island from an enemy force.
Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, chief of the Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau, said NMESIS is a land-based missile system “designed to target and deter hostile naval forces, enhances maritime domain awareness and strengthens the defensive posture of the Philippines and the United States in securing key maritime areas.”
“The NMESIS provides the combined and joint force a flexible and expedient sea denial capacity, contributing to the collective defense of both countries,” the bureau said.
The Philippines and the US officially kicked off the Balikatan Exercise 40-2025 on April 21, involving 17,000 military personnel training together in the exercise featuring “full battle test” scenarios.
This is the 40th iteration of Balikatan, the largest annual bilateral training exercise between Philippine and US armed forces, which ends on May 9.
The AFP said this year’s Balikatan serves as a full-scale defense drill designed to enhance interoperability through realistic, multi-domain training scenarios – demonstrating the continued commitment of both nations to regional peace and security.
The US Marines’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR) deployed the “ship-killer” missile NMESIS to the Philippines in support of Balikatan.
The NMESIS provides 3d MLR with enhanced sea denial capability, deepens naval integration, and strengthens deterrence by extending the Joint Force’s ability to target and engage from both land and sea.
In the Philippines, NMESIS will also aid in shaping defensive capabilities in accordance with the AFP’s coastal defense strategy.
Chinese ships spotted near exercises
Meanwhile, Chinese Navy vessels were spotted near Philippine and US vessels during the Maritime Multilateral Exercise (MME) under Balikatan.
The Philippine Navy said yesterday the People’s Liberation Army Navy ships were spotted near Philippine and allied ships participating in the MME on Saturday, about 60 nautical miles west of Palauig, Zambales.
“The Chinese vessels included a Jiangkai II-class frigate with bow number 579, a vessel with bow number 500, and the Dongdiao II-class auxiliary surveillance ship with bow number 797,” the navy said in a statement.
Despite the presence of Chinese vessels, the navy said the “training activities proceeded without disruption.”
