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.
According to MARTAC, the T38 is an 11-meter catamaran that can reach burst speeds of more than 60 knots and carry up to 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds) of payload. The company says its open architecture lets it handle intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, mine countermeasures and logistics missions. It can be driven by a remote operator or run on its own.
MARTAC says the T38's control modes, which range from full operator control to fully autonomous operation, make it a proven force multiplier for the fleets that use it, at a fraction of the cost of manned systems.
“These vessels can conduct extended surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, deliver supplies, and allow AFP personnel to direct missions from a safe distance. It will strengthen the 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,” said Col. Daniel Oh, the US Embassy's senior defense official and chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines.
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The handover took place at MARTAC's new Unmanned Center of Excellence in Subic Bay. The company says the center will stock spare parts and train and support Philippine personnel, so the T38s stay available and can deploy quickly. MARTAC also expects it to create local jobs and partnerships that help the Philippines build a larger USV fleet over the next several years.
“The Philippines is one of America's most valued and important allies in the region, and their commitment to integrating these advanced unmanned systems demonstrates extraordinary vision and operational leadership,” said MARTAC CEO Tony Smeraglinolo.
