PUERTO PRINCESA: The Philippines is set to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities with the anticipated delivery of additional unmanned surveillance platforms from the United States. This development is part of a USD500 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) initiative, as announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III during a press conference at the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

According to Philippines News Agency, this announcement follows a demonstration by the Philippine Navy of the T-12 unmanned surface vessel (USV), one of the new unmanned capabilities funded through US security assistance. The T-12, also known as “Mantas T-12,” is a compact 3.6-meter USV with a maximum payload of 64 kg. It is designed for littoral environments and features an all-electric powertrain and payload management systems, allowing deployment from shore, ship, or boat with necessary support equipment. The T-12 can integrate both above and below-surface sensors to enhance its missio
n profile.

During the conference, Austin reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the defense of the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the Mutual Defense Treaty. He noted that this treaty covers armed attacks on the armed forces, aircraft, or public vessels of both nations in the South China Sea. Austin also highlighted the historical progress made in the US-Philippine alliance over recent years.

In response to questions about the specific capabilities to be delivered under the FMF agreement, Austin mentioned that Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has prioritized certain equipment, including cyber and asymmetric capabilities. Austin emphasized the critical role of cyber capabilities in enhancing domain awareness and protecting sovereign territory.

Austin’s visit to the Philippines included significant bilateral engagements, such as the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Teodoro. This agreement aims to improve information sharin
g and interoperability between the two nations. Additionally, the defense chiefs participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Combined Coordination Center to bolster joint planning for exercises, operations, and humanitarian responses in the Indo-Pacific region.

On his trip, Austin, accompanied by Teodoro, also visited the Antonio Bautista Airbase in Puerto Princesa, one of the nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.