Philippines plans to acquire US Typhon mid-range missile system

The Philippine military said on December 23 that it plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to protect its maritime interests.

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido (Photo: Courtesy of Philippine Army)
Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido (Photo: Courtesy of Philippine Army)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippine military said on December 23 that it plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to protect its maritime interests.

Earlier this year, the US army deployed the mid-range missile system in northern Philippines for annual joint military exercises with its longtime ally.

Since then, it has been used by Philippine forces to train for its operation.

Speaking at a press conference, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant-General Roy Galido announced the intention to buy the missile system, adding that the total number to be acquired would depend on the national budget.

The land-based “mid-range capability” missile launcher, developed by US firm Lockheed Martin for the US army, has a range of 480 km./.

VNA

See more

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attends and delivers a speech at the working lunch session of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, themed “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainable Development: Shaping the Future of Inclusive Global Growth” in New Delhi on September 13, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam needs to transform BRICS into strategic autonomy, expansion: Indian expert

According to S.D Pradhan, former Deputy National Security Advisor of India, the active participation and practical contributions of partner countries, including Vietnam, played a role in the overall success of the 18th BRICS summit. For Vietnam, its status as partner country offers an opportunity to diversify external ties and better align with emerging drivers of growth.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Photo: VNA)

Thai media highlights significance of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Vietnam visit

Matichon daily newspaper reported that the visit took place as the two countries celebrate five decades of diplomatic ties, with the aim of further strengthening relations between the two close and friendly neighbours. Its September 15 reports covered the official welcome ceremony at the National Assembly House and the meeting between the Thai King and Queen and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and his spouse.

Delegates attend the ceremony in Beijing on September 15 marking the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN, China seek more substantive, effective cooperation

Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Peng Qinghua said China and ASEAN are good neighbours, friends and partners sharing a common future. Since the establishment of dialogue relations in 1991, ties have developed strongly and become one of ASEAN’s most substantive and dynamic dialogue partnerships.

The BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12, 2026. (Photo: ANI/VNA)

ASEAN reaffirms role at BRICS Summit

The seat accorded to ASEAN at the 18th BRICS Summit is a statement to the stature, credibility, and convening power of the organisation. It affirms ASEAN’s indispensable role in the wider global economic dialogue, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed.

A view of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Malaysia's exports projected to moderate next year

Malaysia's exports in the first seven months of 2026 rose 29.2% year-on-year to 290 billion USD. Total trade increased by 24.7% to nearly 540 billion USD, while the trade surplus more than doubled to 42 billion USD.

At a supermarket in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thai economy under pressure from weak purchasing power

The Kasikorn Research Centre anticipates that the Thai economy will slow down in the second half of the year compared to the first half, with the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" initiative offering some support to consumption in Q3 2026.

Malaysia tightens scrutiny of data centres

Malaysia tightens scrutiny of data centres

The Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) evaluates applications not only based on investment value but also on their requirements for energy, water and connectivity, as well as their potential contributions to Malaysia's long-term economic and digital goals.

Consumers select goods at a supermarket in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: VNA)

Malaysian consumers tighten non-essential spending

CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd analyst Walter Aw Lik Hsin said shoppers are increasingly seeking cheaper products, convenience and value, while cutting back on clothing, lifestyle goods and other non-essentials.

Cambodian Chamber of Commerce president Kith Meng (right) meets with Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn on September 14. (Photo: phnompenhpost.com)

Cambodia, Malaysia pledge increased trade, investment cooperation

The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported that Cambodia-Malaysia trade totaled 1.07 billion USD from January to August 2026, up 55.5% from the same period last year. Cambodia exported 151.76 million USD worth of goods to Malaysia, up 71.8%, while imports reached 921.19 million USD, an increase of 53.1%.

Smoke rises from a land fire in South Sumatra, Indonesia (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia: Thick smoke from forest fires disrupts flights

In a written statement on September 14, the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry said the latest monitoring data shows a significant decrease in so-called “high-confidence” hot spots, strongly suspected to be caused by forest fires, in Central Kalimantan and West Kalimantan.

Thailand upgrades GDP growth to 2.5% in 2026

Thailand upgrades GDP growth to 2.5% in 2026

Thailand's economic recovery will follow a K-shaped model, with growth concentrated in high-tech industries and large companies, according to the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).