The US Marine Corps successfully deployed its land-based Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, during the Balikatan 2025 exercises in Luzon, Philippines.
The NMESIS was utilized in the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) – North segment of the joint military drills between the Philippines and the United States.
Designed to detect and neutralize hostile naval threats, the NMESIS strengthens maritime domain awareness and fortifies the defensive stance of both nations in critical maritime zones, according to the Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau.
“The NMESIS equips the combined forces with a rapid and flexible sea denial capability, playing a crucial role in the collective defense efforts,” the Bureau noted.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced that the US would be sending advanced systems, including the NMESIS and unmanned surface vehicles, to support the Philippines’ security and sovereignty through the Balikatan exercises.
Balikatan 2025, which began on April 21 and will run until May 9, involves around 17,000 troops and features a simulated full-scale battle scenario, amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea.