NEW WATCH AT SEA

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

The delivery of these systems, valued at approximately P754 million ($13 million), demonstrates the US’ commitment to its alliance with the Philippines 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 Nridgette 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 Lt. Cmdr. Aldwin Pasicolan led the turnover ceremony at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base Subic.

The Triton AUSVs are capable of collecting data above and below the ocean’s surface through a resilient mesh network. The Tritons are solar-powered, allowing each unit to operate for up to 30 days for improved decision-making at the tactical and operational levels.

“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,” Chargé d’Affaires Walker said in her remarks.

“The Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain is vast, contested, and critical, and the Philippines sits at the heart of it. 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. The Triton fills that gap by expanding the capabilities of the Philippine Navy into critical waterways,” she added.

The delivery demonstrates how aligned investments, training, and shared standards translate into credible, ready capabilities that deter aggression and support regional stability.

“Today’s delivery highlights our enduring commitment to stand with the Philippines and invest in Alliance modernization in a manner that supports the bilateral Philippines-US Security Sector Assistance Roadmap objectives,” Oh said.

“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.”

The US and the Philippines stand shoulder to shoulder as ironclad allies, bound by shared history, common values and an unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.