US deploys NMESIS missile systems to Philippines for military exercise

“The NMESIS, 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 Armed Forces of the Philippines said on X.

The missile system provides a swift and adaptable sea denial capability, strengthening the shared defense of both nations, the statement said.

This marks the first time such an anti-ship missile system has been deployed, coinciding with Chinese vessels shadowing Filipino and US ships.

The annual joint exercise between the Philippines and the US began on April 21 and is scheduled to last until May 9.

The exercise is taking place amid a months-long confrontation between China and the Philippines over contested waters, with both sides accusing each other of ecological degradation in the South China Sea.

Both sides have claims in the South China Sea, with Beijing asserting control over nearly the entire region.

Rights organization says exercise poses threat

The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines on Monday warned that the Balikatan exercises “pose a threat” to the Southeast Asian nation's “freedom and sovereignty” ahead of the May 12 elections.

It said the deployment of the NMESIS is “directly pointing toward Taiwan.”

“Balikatan joint exercises involve island seizure operations, cyber warfare training, and maritime blockade rehearsals—not humanitarian defense, but full-spectrum war scenarios.

“In Quezon, US soldiers have even been seen in civilian communities conducting ‘civil-military operations,’ blurring the line between military and civilian spaces,” the group said in a statement.

It called for an immediate end to military exercises during the election season “and beyond.”

“We support the call of Filipinos for a truly independent Philippine foreign policy, not one dictated by Washington or any other foreign power,” it added.