By HENRY EMPEÑO | June 23, 2026

NAVAL OPERATING BASE SUBIC — The United States transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUSVs) worth P745 million ($13 million) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, June 22, to enhance the latter’s capability, speed and reach in maritime operations.

The delivery of the AUSVs, the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement, “demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and to a free and open Indo-Pacific by enhancing the Philippines’ ability to detect and respond to maritime challenges and illegal maritime activities.” 

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette Walker and U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint US. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh turned over the drones to Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe and Philippine Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Unit Acting Commander Lt. Cmdr. Aldwin Pasicolan at the Naval Operating Base here.

The solar-powered underwater and surface vehicles, said the Embassy, are capable of collecting data above and below the ocean’s surface through a resilient mesh network.  

Each unit can operate for up to 30 days for improved decision-making at the tactical and operational levels, the Embassy also stated.  

“The four Ocean Aero Triton AUSVs we are transferring today represent something important: the future of maritime security is not just about platforms—it is about capability, speed, and reach,” Walker said during the turnover.

She noted that the Philippines sits squarely at the Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain, which she described as “vast, contested, and critical.”

“The ability to monitor and respond to maritime challenges—illegal fishing, gray zone activities, and threats to freedom of navigation—requires persistent, long-endurance awareness that no single ship or aircraft can provide alone,” Walker also said.  “The Triton fills that gap by expanding the capabilities of the Philippine Navy into critical waterways.”

Oh, meanwhile, said the equipment transfer shows how the U.S. commits to stand with the Philippines and invest in alliance modernization that supports the bilateral Philippines-U.S. security objectives.

“These unmanned capabilities support the AFP’s transition to territorial defense and improve awareness in critical waterways.  The next step is to assist the Philippines integrate these new capabilities in their employment and sustainment concepts,” Oh added. ▲