(Reuters) – U.S. troops on Monday (April 4) fired mobile artillery rockets as part of a new training demonstration during annual joint military exercises with the Philippines.
Video footage released by the U.S. and Philippine military shows American soldiers firing six reduced range practice rockets from two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) at a Philippine military camp north of Manila.
HIMARS were used in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. military. The practice rockets have a range of 15 kilometres and are ballasted with non-explosive material, a U.S. military statement added.
About 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are joining the two-week military exercises, which will focus on command-and-control, communications, logistics and mobility procedures to address humanitarian and maritime security, Philippine defence officials said.
Officials from both the Philippines and the U.S. have said the exercises are not aimed at any particular country.
U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter is expected to observe the exercises when he arrives next week, underscoring the significance of the wargames for both nations.
China’s more assertive pursuit of its claims in the South China Sea over the past year or so has included land reclamation and the construction of air and port facilities on some isles and reefs.
The United States has conducted what it calls “freedom of navigation” patrols in the area, sailing near disputed islands controlled by China to underscore its right to navigate the seas.
The patrols have drawn sharp rebukes from China but despite that, U.S. officials have made clear the United States would continue to challenge what it considers China’s unfounded maritime claims.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the waters, through which about $5 trillion in trade is shipped every year.
The Philippines has sought international arbitration on the dispute and a decision is expected late this month or in early May. China has declined to take part in the case.