'Ship-killer' NMESIS sees action in Balikatan

The highly anticipated participation of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) finally happened in the ongoing Balikatan Exercises as three Chinese vessels were detected in the vicinity waters of Zambales on Saturday, April 26.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

The USMC successfully inserted the NMESIS anti-ship missile system during the maritime key terrain security operations (MKTSO)-North events on Saturday, April 26.

Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, chief of Balikatan's combined joint information bureau, said the exercise tested the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and USMC to position the NMESIS for the MKTSO-North.

The NMESIS is a land-based missile system designed to target and deter hostile naval forces. It enhances maritime domain awareness and strengthens the defensive posture of the Philippines and United States in securing key maritime areas.

"The NMESIS provides the combined and joint force a flexible and expedient sea denial capacity, contributing to the collective defense of both countries," Salgado said.