Breaking News: Philippine Navy Tracks Russian Submarine in South China Sea Amid Growing Regional Tensions.

On November 28, 2024, the Philippine Navy confirmed the presence of a Russian Kilo-class submarine, the Ufa 490, in the contested waters of the South China Sea, near the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The submarine was detected about 148 kilometers (92 miles) off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, a province in the western Philippines. The Philippine Navy's flagship, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) guided missile frigate, was dispatched to monitor the submarine’s activities.
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Russian Kilo-class submarine Ufa 490 spotted in the South China Sea on November 28, 2023, as observed by the Philippine Navy's BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150). The submarine was detected approximately 148 kilometers off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, prompting heightened vigilance from Philippine military forces in the contested waters of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone.  (Picture source: Russian social network)

The Russian Kilo-class submarine Ufa 490 confirmed its identity and communicated that it awaited favorable weather conditions before proceeding to its base in Vladivostok, Russia. Despite the submarine’s non-hostile mission, the sighting raised significant concern among Philippine authorities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the intrusion as "very worrisome," emphasizing that any foreign presence in the Philippines' EEZ is a serious matter. The South China Sea has long been a region of geopolitical tension, with overlapping territorial claims between China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations. The Philippine government has been increasingly concerned about China's assertiveness in the region, and it has seen frequent encounters with Chinese naval and coast guard vessels. The presence of a Russian submarine further complicates the security landscape, especially given Russia and China’s growing military cooperation, including joint naval exercises conducted in the region. While the Ufa 490 was not directly involved in any conflict, its presence adds to the complexity of regional security, signaling a broader international interest in the South China Sea.

The Kilo-class submarine, to which the Ufa 490 belongs, is one of the most advanced and stealthiest diesel-electric submarines in service today. Known for its relatively quiet operation, the Kilo-class has been a key asset for the Russian Navy since the 1980s. The submarine is 74 meters long, 9.9 meters wide, and has a draught of 6.2 meters. It is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and reconnaissance missions. The Ufa 490 is equipped with advanced sonar systems and can carry a variety of torpedoes for both defensive and offensive purposes. Its quiet operation makes it difficult to detect, an important feature for strategic patrols in contested waters like the South China Sea. Despite being a diesel-electric boat, the Kilo-class has proven effective in a variety of operational environments, especially in anti-submarine roles, thanks to its ability to operate covertly for extended periods​.

For the Philippine Navy, the sighting of the Ufa 490 underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance in its maritime zones. The BRP Jose Rizal, one of the Philippine fleet's newest and most advanced ships, was tasked with monitoring the Russian submarine’s movements. The Jose Rizal is a Jose Rizal-class frigate equipped with modern combat systems, including surface-to-air missiles, radar systems, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. These capabilities enable the frigate to detect and track submarines, providing the Philippine Navy with a credible defense against underwater threats. The Jose Rizal is equipped with a sonar system, capable of detecting submerged threats, and also has the ability to deploy anti-submarine missiles and torpedoes. In addition, the frigate can operate in conjunction with other maritime assets, including aircraft, to enhance its surveillance and response capabilities in situations like the one involving the Ufa 490​.

The Philippine Navy’s enhanced monitoring and tracking of foreign military assets in the South China Sea is part of its broader efforts to safeguard its national interests, particularly its maritime territories and vital shipping lanes. Tensions in the region have been exacerbated by China’s growing presence, as well as its continued militarization of disputed islands. In response, the Philippines has strengthened its defense ties with the United States and other regional partners, such as Japan and Australia, conducting joint military exercises and modernizing its naval forces. This collaboration includes upgrading the Philippine Navy’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, which is seen as essential for countering not just Chinese naval forces, but also other foreign military activities in the region​.

The incident involving the Ufa 490 serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of the South China Sea, both in terms of natural resources and its role as a key shipping route. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the Philippines will continue to monitor foreign naval activity closely, ensuring that it is prepared to defend its waters and uphold its maritime rights in this increasingly complex and contested region.