US, Philippines Deploy NMESIS Missiles Near Taiwan
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- U.S. flew the NMESIS anti‑ship missile system to Batanes on a C‑130 and positioned it in Basco for the Balikatan drills.
- Philippines used the remote‑operated NMESIS, capable of striking vessels up to 185 km away, to rehearse deployment in a remote province of about 20,000 residents.
- Chester Cabalza warned the system can spark a "powder keg" for Beijing and give Manila and Taipei asymmetric deterrence in the Bashi Channel.
- Beijing condemned the deployment, saying it heightens regional tension.
- Balikatan drills aim to practice defence of territory with allies, using the NMESIS for simulation support without live fire.
Why it matters: The Philippines gains a rapid‑deploy anti‑ship system with a 185‑km range, while China faces a new asymmetric deterrent 100 miles from Taiwan, increasing the chance of accidental escalation.
