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Philippine Navy Modernization Accelerated by US Deployment of Advanced Unmanned Technologies.
According to MaxDefense Philippines, the U.S. Department of Defense is ramping up its efforts to modernize the Philippine Navy by facilitating the transfer of advanced unmanned technologies. These include additional Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), such as larger models than the recently showcased MANTAS T12. This growing cooperation highlights the strategic role of unmanned technologies in modern maritime operations.
The Flexrotor, developed by Aerovel, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, is a Group 2 small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS) (Picture source: Airbus)
The MANTAS T12, developed by MARTAC, is a versatile USV measuring 3.6 meters in length with a payload capacity of 64 kg. Powered by a sixth-generation electric engine, it can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots and perform various missions, including surveillance, mine countermeasures, intelligence gathering, and swarm operations. The system can be deployed from the shore, a ship, or smaller vessels and integrates various sensors, including EO/IR cameras, sonars, and lidars. An optional “gator” configuration allows for enhanced stealth capabilities with a flooding hull suitable for discreet missions.
In addition to USVs, the United States will provide the Philippine Navy with advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Among these is the Aerovel Flexrotor, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions launched from small ships, such as patrol boats.
The Flexrotor, developed by Aerovel, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, is a Group 2 small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS). It features 33-hour endurance, a top speed of 180 km/h, and an 8 kg payload capacity, making it suitable for both maritime and land-based operations. Compact in design (2.1 meters long with a 3-meter wingspan), it requires minimal support equipment and can operate from confined platforms. Equipped with a heavy-fuel engine, it offers increased operational efficiency and range.
The Flexrotor is outfitted with an Alticam stabilized turret capable of capturing HD imagery day and night. It supports a variety of payloads tailored to mission needs and can transmit real-time video over a range of 120 km. It is fully autonomous after takeoff and operates effectively in GPS-denied environments, making it suitable for both military and civilian applications, including environmental monitoring and data collection.
Separately, the Philippine Navy has issued a tender for VTOL-capable “suicide drones,” also known as loitering munitions. These systems are designed for precision strikes but can return to base and be reused if a mission is aborted, emphasizing versatility and cost-efficiency in operations.
The use of UAVs and USVs offers significant strategic and operational benefits for the Philippines, particularly given its geographic and security challenges as an archipelagic nation. These unmanned systems enhance maritime surveillance across the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enabling the detection of illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorized incursions. They provide continuous, cost-effective monitoring and reduce the strain on manned naval assets while ensuring broader coverage of the country’s waters.
In addition, these systems bring advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, delivering real-time data through sensors like EO/IR cameras, sonars, and radars. Their ability to operate in remote or high-risk areas, even in adverse weather conditions, makes them ideal for addressing the region’s complex security landscape. UAVs and USVs also offer versatility in missions, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations, making them a crucial asset for both defense and civilian applications.