The United States Army fired its Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system, also known as "Typhon," as part of the ongoing Balikatan exercises early Tuesday.

Col. Dennis Hernandez, Balikatan 2026 spokesperson, said it is the "first time" that the US MRC launched its Tomahawk subsonic cruise missile during the annual military drill between Philippine and American forces.

Hernandez said the ''Typhon'' that fired a Tomahawk missile from Tacloban "around 12:12 midnight" hit its target area in Laur, Nueva Ecija at 1 am.

"It's a precision-guided munition, so it hit the impact area in Laur," he said.

"It's a Balikatan activity. However, the firing of the Tomahawk is in support of the joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center explorable," he added.

The US Army Pacific deployed its MRC in the Philippines in April 2024.

It was strongly condemned by China and demanded its removal in the Philippines.

China also warned that the deployment of the ''Typhon'' would trigger an arms race, which could destabilize the region. Robina Asido/PHS