US Supports Philippines with 4 Unmanned Vessels to Enhance Response to China Threat

(CNA Manila, June 23, Comprehensive Foreign News) The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced today that the U.S. government has delivered four Triton unmanned vessels to the Philippine military to enhance Manila's monitoring capabilities in its waters and detect potential threats early.

Recent Chinese actions, including the installation of a floating platform at Scarborough Shoal (called Panatag Shoal by Taiwan) and sanctions imposed by China on the Philippine Secretary of National Defense and his family, have tested Philippine-China relations.

The Triton unmanned vessels are designed and produced by U.S. defense contractor Ocean Aero. They are solar-powered and can operate for up to 30 days without human intervention.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines stated that these unmanned vessels, valued at $13 million, demonstrate Washington's commitment to its allies by enhancing the Philippines' detection capabilities and enabling it to respond to various maritime challenges, including illegal fishing, gray zone activities, and threats to freedom of navigation.

The embassy statement said, "The maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific is vast and contested, and the Philippines is at the heart of this region."

In mid-June, U.S. and Philippine forces conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, utilizing air and coast guard assets for various coordinated operational training.

The Philippines announced last week that China had removed its floating facility from the disputed reef after Manila lodged a diplomatic protest. China stated that the facility was used for "scientific investigation." (Compiled by Chi Chin-ling) 1150623

Stand with facts, your every contribution is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "First-Hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time

No unauthorized reproduction, public broadcast, public transmission, or use of the text, images, and audio on this website is permitted.