U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton and Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brigadier General Bayani V Curaming posing with a Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessel in Subic Bay, Zambales. Official Handout.
Manuel Mogato | November 10, 2026
MANILA — The United States has transferred two autonomous unmanned surface vessels, worth $8 million, to its former colony and long-time security ally ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to Manila next week.
US Ambassador Lee Lipton handed over to the Philippine Marines two Devil Ray autonomous unmanned surface vessels in Subic Bay last week.
“The American-made vessels demonstrate America’s commitment to its oldest security treaty Ally in Asia in two ways: supporting the Philippines’ capability to safeguard its sovereign rights; and enhancing maritime domain awareness as part of the two countries’ shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific” the US embassy said in a statement.
The 11-meter-long surface and 2.000 tons drones were received by Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brigadier General Bayani Curaming in a ceremony at the newly opened Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC).
“This year, we mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines,” Ambassador Lipton said. “These American-made systems show the incredible strength of our Alliance.
“We are proud of the role that American technology and industry play in helping modernize the AFP and strengthening the Philippines’ maritime capabilities,” he added.
The US embassy said: “These vessels can conduct extended surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, deliver supplies, and allow AFP personnel to direct missions from a safe distance.”
“The drones will also strengthen the Philippine military’s growing autonomous fleet, expanding its ability to monitor wider areas of Philippine waters for longer periods at a lower cost than crewed vessels,” U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh said. (Also read: US transfers solar-powered drones to boost Philippine maritime surveillance)
For his part, Curaming said: “The turnover of these two T30 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels reflects the growing importance of emerging technologies in addressing the evolving demands of maritime security.”
“This undertaking reflects a longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to maritime security,” he added.
Manufactured by American firm MARTAC, the Devil Ray T38 is an 11-meter unmanned surface vessel that can reach speeds of more than 60 knots and carry up to 1,814 kilograms of equipment.
It supports surveillance, reconnaissance, mine clearance, and logistics missions, and it can run under remote control or on its own.
The United States had earlier six surface and underwater drones in 2024.