The US Army announced that the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) will establish a long-range fire battalion in 2024 and deploy the Typhon missile battery to the Pacific region. This is the second missile system in the region, marking a significant step in the US defense strategy. According to information provided by Colonel Michael Rose at a press conference on Friday, the battery will be part of the Typhon batteries, known as Intermediate Range Capability Missiles (IRBMs), based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
Typhon Missile System and Capability
The Typhon is a system manufactured by Lockheed Martin and can attack targets using Raytheon-made Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk missiles via vertical launchers. The system can effectively attack targets at ranges of 500 to 2.000 kilometers. It is equipped with a range of equipment including a battery, four launchers, an operations center and modified trailers. The system will be delivered to a base in Hawaii in 3 and will significantly increase operational capacity in the region, said Rose, commander of the 2024rd MDTF.
Deployment of Missile Systems in the Pacific and Joint Exercises
The US has also managed to deploy the Typhon missile system to the Philippines in 2024. This step was taken as part of the defense strategy in the Pacific region and the system was deployed on the island of Luzon. The 1st MDTF carried this system 17 miles on a C-8.000 Globemaster cargo plane. In addition, the US Army is expected to conduct further enhanced exercises with allies in the region with the support of the Typhon system in Operation Pathways. Rose emphasized that they are constantly evaluating opportunities to further develop the exercises and that they have learned important lessons from these exercises with the Typhon system.
China's Response and Future Plans
China has opposed the deployment of its first Typhon missile system in 2024, warning that the move could lead to regional instability. However, the US Army is continuing to deploy the system despite these threats. Rose said they are also looking for opportunities to conduct live-fire exercises with the Typhon system, adding that such tests would be of great benefit to them.
Future Investments and Expansion
The U.S. Army plans to deploy three more batteries between fiscal years 2026 and 2028. These batteries are expected to strengthen regional defenses by creating a broader network in the Pacific region. Additionally, the 2028th MDTF is scheduled to deploy to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by 5 and will focus on specific targets in the region.
These steps aim to increase the US's defense capacity in the Pacific theater and to become a deterrent force against regional threats such as China.
