US deploys NMESIS during Balikatan exercises, no missiles fired

US military officials confirmed on Thursday that the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) was deployed during this year's Balikatan exercises but no missiles were fired, according to a statement by the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

During the closing ceremony of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium in Manila, US Navy Admiral Steve Koehler had mistakenly stated that NMESIS missiles were test-fired as part of battle drills and full-scale tests involving amphibious vehicles and HIMARS.

The NMESIS is a mobile coastal anti-ship missile system designed to strike hostile surface vessels from land-based positions and was deployed for maritime key terrain security operations in strategic locations across Northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands from April 21 to May 9, and again during Kamandag exercises from May 26 to June 6.

US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm noted that training with NMESIS batteries was highly effective, though he declined to provide specific details due to operational security.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos stated that the NMESIS will remain in the Philippines for further training opportunities for the Philippine Marine Corps and emphasized it is not a threat to China but rather a deterrent against illegal actions.