Philippines receives four autonomous underwater and surface vehicles from US

June 24, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US government has transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUSVs) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The handover took place on June 22 at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base Subic and was attended by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Bridgette Walker, US Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh, Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe, and Philippine Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Unit Acting Commander Lieutenant Commander Aldwin Pasicolan.

The vessels are valued at approximately PHP 754 million ($13 million).

The Triton AUSVs are designed to operate both on the ocean surface and underwater, collecting maritime data through a mesh-network communications system. Powered by solar energy, the platforms can remain deployed for up to 30 days, providing extended surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

According to information released by the US Embassy, the systems are intended to support the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and improve its ability to monitor and respond to activities in its maritime areas of interest, including illegal maritime activities and other security challenges.

The delivery forms part of ongoing US security assistance efforts aimed at supporting the modernization of the Philippine military and its transition toward territorial defense operations.

US officials said future cooperation will focus on integrating the new systems into Philippine Navy operations and sustainment programs.