US anti-ship missile NMESIS now in Batanes for Balikatan exercises

U.S. Marines haul the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) off a C-130 aircraft during Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations – North, part of Exercise Balikatan 40-2025 on 26 April 2025. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The United States’ anti-ship missile Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) was deployed for the maritime key terrain security operations (MKTSO) of this year’s Balikatan (BK 40-2025) exercises.

In a statement on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced the deployment of NMESIS in the MSKO, an activity where armed forces practice retaking an island from an enemy force. It was held in Batanes.

“The NMESIS, a land-based missile system designed to target and deter hostile naval forces, enhances maritime domain awareness and strengthens the defensive posture of the Philippines and the United States in securing key maritime areas,” the AFP said.

It added that the missile system “provides the combined and joint force a flexible and expedient sea denial capacity, contributing to the collective defense of both countries.”

The 40th iteration of the annual war games between Manila and Washington began on April 21 and will run until May 9.

READ: US anti-ship missile NMESIS now in PH as ‘security anxiety’ looms

The AFP earlier announced that 6,000 of its personnel would join the BK 40-25 activities. These personnel were mainly from the Northern Luzon Command and the Western Command.

On the other hand, 12,000 personnel from the US would participate in the war games, the AFP said.

Partner nations also deployed contingents. Australia sent about 200 personnel, Japan with 56, the United Kingdom with 11, and both France and Canada with two personnel each.