Manila: The US-made NMESIS anti-ship missile system is set to feature prominently in the upcoming "Balikatan" military exercises, as confirmed by Brig. Gen. Michael Logico, the assistant exercise director, during a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo.

According to Philippine News Agency, Brig. Gen. Logico disclosed that the missile system will be involved in one of the exercises scheduled for this year. However, he refrained from providing further details about the deployment of the NMESIS, citing security concerns. "I will just say that it will take part in one of our exercises. That's all I can say," he remarked. Logico confirmed the presence of the NMESIS in the country but did not reveal its specific location.

The NMESIS, short for Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, is a mobile coastal anti-ship missile designed to target hostile surface vessels from land-based positions, boasting a range of approximately 180 to 200 nautical miles. On March 28, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the importance of the NMESIS and other advanced capabilities in aiding the Philippines to defend its sovereignty.

Logico highlighted that the Balikatan exercise, scheduled from April 21 to May 9, will see the participation of around 14,000 military personnel from the Philippines, the US, and Australia. The Australian Defense Force is expected to contribute approximately 200 participants. Additionally, observers from the Japan Self-Defense Force, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Colombia, among others, will be present.

In response to inquiries about China's stance on the locations of the Balikatan exercises, Logico emphasized the right of every nation to self-defense. "Every country, big or small, has the absolute and inalienable right to defend itself," he stated, reinforcing that the exercises align with the Mutual Defense Treaty commitments.