US transfers solar-powered drones to boost Philippine maritime surveillance

Washington has transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Philippines, boosting its maritime domain awareness capabilities.

Photo from US Embassy in the Philippines.

Manuel Mogato | June 27, 2026

MANILA — Washington has transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Philippines, boosting its maritime domain awareness capabilities, the US Embassy in the Philippines said on Tuesday.

“The Indo-Pacific’s waters are vast and contested, and the Philippines sits at the heart of it,” the US embassy said in ‌a ⁠statement.

The unmanned solar-powered surface and sub-surface drones would increase the Philippines’ capability to detect and monitor Chinese presence and activities within its maritime zones, an embassy statement said.

Valued at $13 million, the drones can operate for 30 days, demonstrating Washington’s commitment to its ally and enhancing Manila’s ability to respond to maritime challenges, including China’s gray-zone tactics and threats to freedom of navigation.

US and Philippine forces held their 4th maritime cooperation activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, involving air and coast guard assets in a series of interoperability exercises. (Also read: Security-linked investments — aimed at taming China — spurs PH economy)

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a strategic waterway through ⁠which more than $3 trillion in trade passes annually, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated those claims.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have conflicting claims.