U.S. Transfers Two Unmanned Surface Vessels to Philippine Marines At New Subic Bay Facility
The U.S. handed two unmanned surface vessels to the Philippine Marine Corps on November 4, 2026, at Subic Bay in Zambales.
The two vessels, T38 Devil Ray, are made by the American Company Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC). According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the vessels were delivered during a ceremony at the MARTAC Unmanned Centre of Excellence. At the ceremony, Ambassador Lee Lipton said that this year marks 80 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The U.S. Embassy’s Senior Defense Official confirmed that the surface vessels will be able to perform surveillance, patrolling, and delivering supplies. They can also allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel to conduct missions from a safe distance. He also added that this transfer will strengthen the Philippine force’s ability to monitor larger areas at a lower cost than crew-operated vessels.
USNI earlier had the Philippine Marines under consideration for their next aid. A U.S. military official said the Philippine Army is also interested in these systems. The U.S. transferred the surface vessels shortly after.
The U.S. says these vessels are meant to help the Philippines protect its waters. USNI linked the transfer of vessels to tensions with China around Second Thomas, Sabina and Scarborough shoals. It said the drones are planned to be part of a network of unmanned systems and sensors that can detect and track activity at sea.
MARTAC said that its new centre in Subic Bay will provide training, maintenance and spare parts. The company also expects it to create local jobs and help the Philippines build up a large fleet of unmanned vessels over the next several years.
The U.S. Embassy said the vessels support the Philippines’ ability to protect its sovereign rights and strengthen its monitoring of its maritime areas.
References: USNI,US Embassy in the Philippines
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