PH needs comprehensive missile defense system: AFP chief

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

FIGHTER JET. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. sits in the cockpit of a Saab JAS 39 Gripen, during the 5th Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) Exhibition at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday (Sept. 25, 2024). A Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft built by Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – The Philippines needs a comprehensive missile defense to fully protect its territory under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Wednesday.

Brawner was asked whether the military is planning to acquire versions of the US-made Medium Range Capability Typhon Missile System as part of the ongoing AFP modernization program.

“Not only the Typhon but also other missile systems kasi kailangan natin ng (because we need) comprehensive air defense and maritime defense systems,” Brawner said.

He said he wanted the Typhon to stay “forever” in the Philippines despite China’s call for its withdrawal as it allegedly destabilizes peace in the region.

Withdrawal or continued stay of the weapon will however depend on the Philippines and US Mutual Defense Board-Security Board.

Brawner said he has requested the US on the matter and they are now waiting for a response.

The Typhon Missile System is capable of firing Tomahawk Land Attack Missile and the Standard Missile-6 and is believed to have a range in excess of 1,000 miles.

It is deployed in northern Luzon as part of the Salaknib exercises between Filipino and American units.

The CADC, which aims to address threats to Philippine territorial integrity and sovereign rights, calls for more aircraft, ships and various missile systems to be effective.

Once these assets are acquired and operational, Brawner said this would form the so-called “integrated defense”.

More defense linkages

Brawner said the 5th Asian Defense, Security and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS 2024), from Sept. 25 to 27, will help the AFP in boosting its defense capabilities.

Brawner attended the event Wednesday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“ADAS 2024 provides an important venue for enhancing our defense and security capabilities by exploring cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration with international partners,” he said.