Brawner: AFP Wants US-made Typhon Midrange Capability Missile

02 September 2024

Typhoon mid-range capability (MRC) missile system (photo: Lockheed Martin)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  — The Philippines wants to procure its own US-made Typhon mid-range capability (MRC) missile system, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.

Brawner, who made the pronouncement after the meeting of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) here at the Philippine Military Academy, said this plan is part of the AFP’s thrust as the country shifts its focus on external defense.

The Firing of SM6 long-range surface-to-air missile from a Lockheed Martin Mk 70 containerized missile launcher (photo: USNI)

Security expert Chester Cabalza said the MRC will be a fine addition to the military arsenal “due to its enhanced and versatile” capabilities.

“It can bolster collective readiness in land, air, and maritime domains which can be needed in times of unforeseen eventuality,” Cabalza, president and founder of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, told INQUIRER.net on Thursday.

The firing of Tomahwk long-range cruise land attack mssile from a Lockheed Martin Mk 70 containerized missile launcher (photo: USNI)

A unit of the ground-based missile system capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, the MRC arrived in the country on April 11 and was last spotted in Ilocos Norte.

Currently, the Philippines’ arsenal has medium-range supersonic cruise missiles called BrahMos, which could be launched from submarines, ships, planes, or land platforms. It arrived in the country in April.

Brahmos miniature, a long-range anti-ship cruise missile of the Philippines (photo: PMC)

With a range of 290 to 400 kilometers, BrahMos could travel at Mach 2.8, or about three times faster than the speed of sound.

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