Philippines Gets New U.S.-Built USVs to Patrol South China Sea

The Philippine Marine Corps has received two US-made unmanned surface vessels (USVs), adding to the autonomous fleet the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is building to patrol its waters as maritime pressure from China grows.

China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea have fueled disputes not only with the Philippines but also with Vietnam and other neighbors. Scarborough Shoal has become a particular point of contention between Beijing and Manila, with China stepping up maritime drills in the disputed waters.

To protect its exclusive economic zone, the AFP has a technological boost in the form of US-made military hardware. In mid-2024, the Philippine Navy received one Devil Ray T38 and four all-electric MANTAS T12 USVs built by Florida-based Maritime Tactical Systems Inc. (MARTAC).

On November 4, US Ambassador Lee Lipton handed over two more T38s, valued at more than $8 million, to Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brig. Gen. Bayani V. Curaming at a ceremony in Subic Bay. The boats give the Marines a mix of speed, endurance and flexibility for security work across an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →