MANILA, Philippines — The United States has provided two Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessels to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to boost maritime defense and sovereign rights awareness campaign in the Pacific.
The vessels are capable of conducting maritime surveillance and reconnaissance patrols for extended periods, allowing AFP personnel to direct missions from a safe distance.
The US embassy said the turnover of the American-made vessels worth over $8 million is proof of Washington’s commitment to its oldest treaty ally in Asia, particularly in supporting the Philippines’ capability to safeguard sovereign rights and enhance maritime domain awareness.
The commitment is part of a vision shared by the two countries of a free and open Indo-Pacific, the embassy said.
US Ambassador Lee Lipton turned over the vessels to Philippine Marine Corps deputy chief Brig. Gen. Bayani Curaming in Subic Bay, Zambales on Nov. 4.
“This year, we mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. These American-made systems show the incredible strength of our alliance,” Lipton said.
“We are proud of the role the American technology and industry play in helping modernize the AFP and strengthening the Philippines’ maritime capabilities,” he added.
US embassy senior defense official and chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines Col. Daniel Oh said the Devil Ray T38 would strengthen the AFP’s growing autonomous fleet and expand its ability to monitor wider areas of Philippine waters for longer periods at a lower cost than using manned vessels.
Curaming said the turnover reflects the importance of emerging technologies in addressing evolving demands of maritime security.
“This undertaking reflects a longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and a common commitment to maritime security,” Curaming said.
Lipton visits Batanes
Meanwhile, Lipton toured a US-funded humanitarian supply depot during his visit to Batanes on Nov. 5.
Lipton’s visit showed the US is committed to working with the Philippines toward obtaining a safe, secure and more prosperous future for both countries, the embassy said.
During the tour, Lipton saw how the US helps the Philippines prepare for emergency disaster response.
The depot stores emergency logistics supplies and family food packs.
The embassy said the facility is a critical example of how the US helped the Philippine government and the people of Batanes improve preparations and response to disasters.
Lipton met with Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez at the Mahatao Forward Operating Base in Basco, where the AFP monitors maritime traffic along the Bashi Channel and Luzon Strait.
“I am committed to deepening the United States’ connections all across the Philippines, from Batanes to Mindanao, for the benefit of the American and the Filipino people,” Lipton said.
He also met with Batanes Gov. Ronald Aguto Jr. to discuss ways of deepening longstanding historical ties. — Roel Pareño