By E.H. Edejer | November 11, 2026

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The United States has transferred two Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessels (USVs), or marine drones, to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in support of its ally’s military modernization program, the U.S. State Department said in a statement released on Tuesday, November 10.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton formally turned over the marine drones to Brigadier General Bayani V. Curaming, deputy commander of the Philippine Marine Corps, on November 4 at the newly opened Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC) Unmanned Center of Excellence at the Naval Operations Base here.

The Devil Ray T38 USVs, valued at over $8 million, are seen to demonstrate America’s commitment to its oldest security treaty ally in Asia by enhancing the Philippines’ capability to safeguard its sovereign rights and supporting maritime domain awareness under a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Lipton said the American-made surveillance boats “show the incredible strength of our Alliance,” noting that the U.S. marks 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines this year.

“We are proud of the role that American technology and industry play in helping modernize the AFP and strengthening the Philippines’ maritime capabilities,” Lipton added.

The Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessel, built by American firm MARTAC, supports surveillance, reconnaissance, mine clearance, and logistics missions. It can reach speeds of more than 60 knots, carry up to 1,814 kilograms of equipment, and execute missions either under remote control or autonomously through advanced sliding autonomy control modes.

Colonel Daniel Oh, U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines, said the USVs will strengthen the AFP’s growing autonomous fleet, expanding its ability to monitor wider areas of Philippine waters for longer periods at a lower cost than crewed vessels.

Curaming, for his part, said the turnover of the two T30 Devil Rays 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.

The T30 Devil Rays were among the recent transfers of marine drones from the United States to the AFP.

Last June, the U.S. delivered four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles worth about $13 million to the Philippine Navy. ▲

PHOTO: U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton formally turns over two Devil Ray T38 USVs to Brig. Gen. Bayani V. Curaming in Subic on November 4 (US State Dept. photo)