AFP welcomes US plan to deploy missiles in PhilippinesPhilippine and US troops prepare the Typhon missile system for a drill in Northern Luzon in 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE US ARMYMANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday welcomed the United States’ plan to deploy more advanced missiles and unmanned systems in the Philippines this year. Following Monday’s meeting in Manila during the 12th Philippines-US bilateral strategic dialogue, senior Philippine and US foreign affairs and defense officials revealed plans to deploy more military equipment this year. Both sides have committed to using the available foreign military financing from the US to modernize the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday met with US Assistant Secretary of War John Noh during the latter’s courtesy call at Camp Aguinaldo.

Source: Philippine Star February 18, 2026 16:31 UTC