What Happened
Advanced Drone Boats Enhance Maritime Surveillance Capabilities
The US government is transferring ownership of four advanced drone boats to the Philippines, expanding the country’s navy’s ability to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and keep an eye on Chinese incursions. The Ocean Aero Triton sailing USVs are solar-powered, wind-propelled, and can operate in submerged mode, carrying various payloads for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and warfare. The transfer follows a recent US-Philippine coast guard exercise in the South China Sea, which was closely tracked by China Coast Guard assets. The move was reported by The Maritime Executive.