It’s a very risky move: This is Typhon, the new US weapon system that poses a huge threat to China
In response to Russia and China, the United States has developed a new missile system known as ‘Typhon’.
In response to advancements in Russian and Chinese artillery systems, the U.S. Army has been working for several years to enhance its Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) capability. This effort includes modernizing existing artillery and missile systems while also developing new, longer-range platforms and hypersonic weapons.
As part of its LRPF modernization initiative, the Army has focused on improving the Medium-Range Strategic Fire System (SMRF), also known as the Typhon missile system. Designed to engage targets at ranges between the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), which is still in development, the Typhon system provides a critical intermediate-range capability.
According to the U.S. military, the SMRF system utilizes modified SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles for ground launch, enhancing its versatility and operational effectiveness.
Typhon Deployment in the Philippines and China’s Response
In April of last year, the U.S. Army deployed the Typhon system to the Philippines as part of the joint exercise Salaknib, and it has remained on the island of Luzon ever since. However, China has strongly opposed this deployment, particularly given its ongoing territorial disputes with the Philippines.
In January of this year, Reuters reported that the Typhon system was set to be repositioned elsewhere on the island. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the deployment, calling it a “highly dangerous action” and describing the system as a strategic offensive weapon.
“By introducing this strategic offensive weapon into this region, the Philippines is creating tensions and antagonism, inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race. This is an extremely dangerous step and an irresponsible decision for its own people, the people of other Southeast Asian countries, and regional security,” Ning stated at a press conference.
Philippines is getting the second battery of US' Typhon Missiles.
— Steve Anderson (@SteveAn71083739) March 26, 2025
Philippines has already deployed a battery of Typhon Missiles since April last year.
The Typhon system can fire Tomahawk & SM-6 missiles. Tomahawks to attack land targets & SM-6 missiles for air defense. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/G2hNMGSeAf
According to Defense News, Major General Jeffrey VanAntwerp, deputy chief of staff for Operations, Plans, and Training for the U.S. Army in the Pacific, confirmed in a press briefing that the U.S. military will not conduct a live-fire test of the Typhon system during exercises in the Philippines this spring. At this time, it remains unclear how long the system will remain in the country or if it will be relocated elsewhere in the Pacific.
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