Manila: The US-made Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) anti-ship missile platform continues to be stationed in the Philippines for training purposes, as confirmed by the Philippine Navy on Tuesday. "This is to confirm that the NMESIS is still within the country and it will continue to be used by the Philippine Marine Corps for training purposes. As to its current location due to operational security, I cannot disclose that. But I can tell you that it's still inside the country," said Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos during a media briefing at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the American weapons system was utilized for training during the recently concluded "Balikatan" exercises, which took place from April 21 to May 9, and "Kamandag," from May 26 to June 6. Although the NMESIS was not fired in any of those exercises, Alcos highlighted that the Philippines maximized the training opportunity.
"The NMESIS will remain here in our country for as long as training opportunities are still there for us to be, for us to use that particular military equipment so that our Marines can better conduct combined operations with their counterparts," he added. Alcos further emphasized that NMESIS, being a ship interdiction type weapons system, is "extremely helpful" if amphibious raids or amphibious landings are planned against the Philippines.
NMESIS is described as a highly mobile coastal anti-ship missile with the capability to strike hostile surface vessels from land-based positions. The weapon has a range of around 100 nautical miles. When asked about plans to acquire similar systems for the Navy, the PN spokesperson indicated that "the acquisition of long-range missile systems or rocket systems is one of the capabilities that we intend to have." He also noted that a list of crucial capabilities has been submitted to higher headquarters and the Department of National Defense.
Alcos concluded by asserting that the presence of NMESIS serves as a deterrent to any entities contemplating illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions against the Philippines.
