MANILA. The United States Marine Corps successfully deployed its land-based missile system, the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), on Saturday during the ongoing Balikatan 2025 joint military exercise in Luzon.
The NMESIS system participated in the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) – North, one of the key components of the exercise, which is a collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. This marks a significant moment in enhancing the combined defense capabilities of both nations.
According to the Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau, the NMESIS is specifically “designed to target and deter hostile naval forces, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen 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 added, emphasizing the strategic value of this new deployment.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously confirmed that the United States would be deploying advanced defense systems to the Philippines, including the NMESIS missile system and high-tech unmanned surface vehicles, during the exercise. “These systems will enable US Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to train together on using advanced capabilities to defend the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Hegseth stated.
The ongoing Balikatan 2025 exercises, which began on April 21, are set to continue until May 9, with roughly 17,000 troops involved. The exercises are designed to simulate a “full-scale battle scenario” as both countries bolster their military preparedness in response to Beijing’s assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea.
The deployment of the NMESIS underscores the growing military cooperation between the US and the Philippines, focusing on strengthening their maritime security and deterring any potential threats in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
