Manila: US forces on Saturday deployed the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) anti-ship missile system as part of the ongoing Balikatan military exercise in the Philippines. The deployment is a significant addition to the joint exercise, enhancing the maritime domain awareness and defensive posture of both the Philippines and the United States.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Armed Forces of the Philippines stated on X that the NMESIS system provides a swift and adaptable sea denial capability, crucial for the defense strategy of both nations. The system is designed to target and deter hostile naval forces, thereby securing key maritime areas, which have been a point of contention in recent geopolitical tensions.

This deployment marks the first instance of the NMESIS anti-ship missile system being utilized in the region. Its deployment coincides with Chinese vessels shadowing Filipino and US ships, adding a layer of complexity to the exercise. The annual Balikatan exercise, which began on April 21, is scheduled to continue until May 9, against the backdrop of a months-long confrontation between China and the Philippines over contested waters in the South China Sea.

The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines has voiced concerns regarding the Balikatan exercises. The organization warned that these activities pose a threat to the Southeast Asian nation's freedom and sovereignty, especially in the lead-up to the May 12 elections. It criticized the deployment of NMESIS as a move that appears to be directed towards Taiwan.

The rights group further pointed out that the Balikatan exercises involve island seizure operations, cyber warfare training, and maritime blockade rehearsals, which they argue are not focused on humanitarian defense but rather on full-spectrum war scenarios. They highlighted instances of US soldiers conducting civil-military operations in civilian communities in Quezon, which, according to them, blur the line between military and civilian spaces.

The coalition has called for an immediate cessation of military exercises during the election period and beyond. They advocate for an independent Philippine foreign policy, free from foreign influence, specifically from Washington or any other external power.