The United States has delivered four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The handover aims to boost maritime domain awareness. The systems were turned over during a ceremony in Subic.
The United States government turned over four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The delivery strengthens the country’s maritime domain awareness.
The systems are valued at approximately P754 million or $13 million. They are solar-powered and can operate for up to 30 days while collecting data above and below the ocean surface through a resilient mesh network.
The turnover ceremony took place on Monday at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales. It was led by Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe, Lt. Cmdr. Aldwin Pasicolan, US embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette Walker and Col. Daniel Oh.
The US embassy in Manila said the handover demonstrates commitment to the US-Philippines alliance and a free and open Indo-Pacific. Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez noted that the assets will aid military modernization efforts.
