U.S. Deploys Anti-Ship Missiles in the Philippines for Balikatan 2026 Amid Regional Tensions
The United States has deployed anti-ship missile launchers to the Northern Philippines, specifically near the Luzon Strait, as part of the Balikatan 2026 military exercises. This deployment involves around 1,300 Marines and Sailors from the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. The regiment is participating in maritime strike, coastal defense, and sea denial operations alongside Philippine forces. The deployment includes the Naval Strike Missile-equipped Navy-Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), which has been stationed at Cagayan North International Airport. This location is one of nine sites available to U.S. forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The exercises are part of a broader U.S.-Philippine alliance focus on the Luzon Strait, a strategic area amid concerns over potential conflicts involving Taiwan. 
