The Russian attack submarine Ufa 490 was returning home to Vladivostok, Russia, after completing naval drills with the Malaysian Navy when it was sighted surfacing in the West Philippine Sea last week.

This was clarified by Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, in a phone interview on Monday.

Trinidad said the Russian Pacific Fleet had just completed a passing exercise (PASSEX)-type joint naval exercise in the South China Sea with its Malaysian Navy counterpart a week ago.

In a report published by the Russian News Agency on 25 November, the Russian Pacific Fleet’s press office was quoted as saying, “The diesel-electric submarine Ufa, escorted by the Pacific Fleet’s rescue tug Alatau, has finished its official visit at the port of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and conducted the PASSEX naval drills with ships of the Malaysian Navy.”

The report added that the Russian and Malaysian vessels “practiced joint maneuvering, communication, and other forms of cooperation.”

Trinidad said the Russian submarine was sailing in the northern part of the country, moving outside the Philippine EEZ as of 1 December.

Asked if the submarine needed permission to pass through Philippine waters, he replied: “No need because under freedom of navigation—it either you are surfaced or submerged—it was granted to under the UNCLOS.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that the Ufa 490 was sighted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro, on 28 November.

Trinidad said the military’s naval vessel, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), immediately established radio communications with the Russian submarine, confirming its identity, crew complement, and navigational intent.

He said the submarine was “awaiting improved weather conditions” before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia.

Trinidad assured the public of the AFP’s “unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty while maintaining professionalism in interactions with foreign naval vessels.”

“Our operations remain consistent with international maritime laws and demonstrate our dedication to regional peace and cooperation,” he stressed.