AFP receives $8M unmanned surface vessels from US

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) upgraded its maritime drone capability after it recently received two unmanned surface vessels (USVs) from the United States.

In a statement from the US Embassy on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton delivered two Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessels worth $8 million to Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brigadier General Bayani V Curaming, PN (M) during a ceremony at the newly opened Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC) Unmanned Center of Excellence in Subic Bay, Zambales on November 4.

“The American-made vessels demonstrate America’s commitment to its oldest security treaty Ally in Asia in two ways: supporting the Philippines’ capability to safeguard its sovereign rights; and enhancing maritime domain awareness as part of the two countries’ shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the embassy said.

“This year, we mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines,” Ambassador Lipton said. “These American-made systems show the incredible strength of our Alliance. We are proud of the role that American technology and industry play in helping modernize the AFP and strengthening the Philippines’ maritime capabilities.”

US Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh said the USVs can conduct extended surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, deliver supplies, and allow AFP personnel to direct missions from a safe distance. He said the addition of the T38 will strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP’s) growing autonomous fleet, expanding its ability to monitor wider areas of Philippine waters for longer periods at a lower cost than crewed vessels.

“The turnover of these two T30 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels reflects the growing importance of emerging technologies in addressing the evolving demands of maritime security,” Brigadier General Curaming said. “This undertaking reflects a longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to maritime security,” Oh said.

Manufactured by American firm MARTAC, the Devil Ray T38 is an 11-meter USV that has a top speed of over 60 knots and can carry up to 1,814 kilograms of equipment. It supports surveillance, reconnaissance, mine clearance, and logistics missions, and it can run under remote control or on its own. —RF, GMA News