US, Philippine Marines to conduct live-fire drill of NMESIS missile system
The US Marine Corps will carry out a live-fire drill using the cutting-edge NMESIS anti-ship missile system during joint exercises with the Philippines for the first time.
The two countries' Marines started the annual event in the Philippines on Monday. A news conference was held at Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Manila.
Commandant Arturo Rojas said there will be a live-fire drill using NMESIS during a counter landing exercise, along with simulations.
The system uses remotely operated unmanned vehicles to launch anti-ship missiles with a range of over 180 kilometers.
A US official said the system will enhance the Philippines' defense and allow the country to modernize its military.
The live-fire drill may draw a sharp reaction by China as it will be held in the Philippines' northern part of Luzon island, near Taiwan.
The joint exercises will take place across the Philippines through June 6, with more than 4,000 US and Philippine personnel taking part. They will also be joined by other countries including Japan and South Korea.
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