The U.S. Army Deploys Covert Weapon During Military Exercise with the Philippines
In a recent military exercise with the Philippines, the U.S. Army unveiled a new type of covert weapon known as Typhon. This innovative weapon is designed to be hidden in plain sight, as it consists of a modified 40-foot shipping container that conceals up to four missiles that rotate upward to fire. Among the weapons it can be loaded with is the Tomahawk cruise missile, capable of hitting targets on land and ships at sea more than 1,150 miles away.
The deployment of Typhon marks a significant shift in military strategy, as just five years ago, weapons like it would have been illegal under the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. However, in 2019, President Donald J. Trump withdrew from the treaty, citing violations by Russia and the growing threat posed by China’s long-range missile arsenal.
The decision to withdraw from the treaty has allowed the Pentagon to develop weapons like Typhon, which are now poised to defend Taiwan from a potential Chinese invasion. This shift in strategy has also led to a reevaluation of traditional weapons systems, with a focus on lighter and more flexible arms like truck-mounted anti-ship missiles.
Despite some criticism from retired military officials, current U.S. military and civilian leaders believe that weapons like the SM-6 missile, with its smaller warhead and ability to evade enemy defenses, could be enough to deter Chinese aggression in the Taiwan Strait. By strategically positioning these missiles on small islands within striking distance of Chinese ships, the U.S. aims to protect Taiwan and potentially weaken President Xi Jinping’s grip on power.
With the deployment of Typhon and other covert weapons, the U.S. military is adapting to the evolving threats posed by countries like China. By leveraging new technologies and strategic partnerships with allies like the Philippines and Japan, the U.S. is positioning itself to defend against potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
