US Navy-Marine ship interdiction system arrives in PH for Balikatan exercises

The United States has deployed its Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) to the Philippines for the upcoming Balikatan joint military exercises.

Balikatan spokesman Brigadier General Michael Logico confirmed the NMESIS arrival and its participation in the exercises, though its exact location remains undisclosed.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will observe the integrated air and missile defense exercises, which will include live-fire and naval maneuvers.

The US Typhon mid-range missile system will also be used in this year's drills.

Japan and Australia will join the Balikatan as active participants, while the Czech Republic, Poland, and Colombia will send observers.

There is a possibility that the NMESIS, like the Typhon missile system, could remain in the Philippines after the exercises conclude.