The United States has transferred two Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessels worth more than $8 million to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), reinforcing bilateral defense cooperation and enhancing the country’s maritime security capabilities.
The turnover ceremony was held on November 4 at the newly opened Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC) Unmanned Center of Excellence in Subic Bay, Zambales, where U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton formally handed over the vessels to Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brigadier General Bayani V. Curaming.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the American-made vessels demonstrate Washington’s continuing commitment to its oldest security treaty ally in Asia by supporting the Philippines’ efforts to protect its sovereign rights and improve maritime domain awareness in line with a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Lipton highlighted the enduring alliance between the two countries, noting that this year marks 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines.
He said the delivery of the advanced systems reflects the strength of the alliance and showcases the role of American technology and industry in helping modernize the AFP while strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities.
U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh said the vessels are capable of conducting extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions, delivering supplies, and enabling AFP personnel to direct operations remotely from a safe distance.
Oh added that the vessels will enhance the AFP’s expanding autonomous fleet by allowing wider areas of Philippine waters to be monitored for longer periods at lower operating costs compared with manned vessels.
For his part, Brigadier General Curaming said the turnover underscores the increasing importance of emerging technologies in addressing evolving maritime security challenges.
He described the initiative as a reflection of the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and the United States, built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to maritime security.
Manufactured by U.S.-based firm MARTAC, the Devil Ray T38 unmanned surface vessels measure 11 meters in length, can reach speeds of more than 60 knots, and carry up to 1,814 kilograms of equipment.
The vessels are designed to support surveillance, reconnaissance, mine-clearing, and logistics operations, and can operate either remotely or autonomously.