According to Defense News, the U. S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force used the new mobile Typhon launcher for the first time during military drills in the Philippines.

The launch was carried out jointly by American troops and the Philippine Army’s artillery regiment. A Tomahawk cruise missile was fired from the central part of the country, covered 995 kilometers and successfully struck its target.

The appearance of the Typhon system in the Philippines has already drawn irritation from Chinese officials, Defense News noted. The concern is tied to the launcher’s long-range strike capability, especially when equipped with Tomahawk missiles.

The outlet reported that the missile launch was conducted in support of ground units involved in the exercises. This year’s Balikatan drills involve about 17,000 troops from Japan, Australia, France, Canada and New Zealand.

Philippine officials said training with the U. S. Typhon missile system will help Manila assess what types of weapons it may choose to purchase in the future.