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US Strengthens Philippine Maritime Defense Against China with Mantas T-12 Drones.
The United States has announced a new measure to strengthen the Philippines' maritime surveillance capabilities in the South China Sea. This initiative is part of an expanded military cooperation between the two nations amid rising regional geopolitical tensions. During his recent visit to Manila, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that additional Mantas T-12 unmanned surface vessels (USVs) would be delivered under a $500 million foreign military financing program introduced earlier this year.
Since 2021, the U.S. has supplied the Philippines with various defense assets, such as ScanEagle drones and Cyclone-class patrol vessels. (Picture source: Martac)
Currently, the Philippine Navy operates four Mantas T-12s, one of which was showcased during Austin's visit to Palawan, an island near contested waters. Developed by U.S.-based company Martac, these platforms are 3.6 meters long and feature a payload capacity of 64 kilograms. They are powered by a highly reliable electric propulsion system and are deployable from shore, ships, or smaller vessels using dedicated launch and recovery equipment. Designed for extended operations, the T-12 can also be configured for low-visibility missions using a stealth option that allows the hull to submerge partially.
The Mantas T-12 is a versatile USV capable of integrating advanced sensors, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, sonars, Lidars, and acoustic modems. Its applications span a range of military missions, such as mine countermeasures, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, and electronic warfare. With a burst speed exceeding 30 knots and the ability to operate in swarms, the T-12 is also suited for tasks like port security and environmental monitoring, making it adaptable to both defense and civilian needs.
Austin emphasized that the provision of these systems underscores the United States' commitment to the Philippines' defense, particularly under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). He reiterated that the MDT applies to armed attacks on Philippine military forces or public vessels, including coast guard ships, in the South China Sea. This support is part of a broader effort to help the Philippines safeguard its sovereignty and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Since 2021, the U.S. has supplied the Philippines with various defense assets, such as ScanEagle drones and Cyclone-class patrol vessels. The addition of Mantas T-12s highlights the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern maritime operations. Their use in recent conflicts, like in the Black Sea since 2022, has demonstrated their ability to disrupt enemy activities and limit operational capabilities effectively.
Defense analysts, including James Holmes of the Naval War College, note that deploying drones in strategic waterways could constrain adversaries' naval and aerial operations, raising the costs of their activities in contested regions. This aligns with the Pentagon's Replicator program, which aims to leverage drone technology for strategic purposes. However, experts like retired Navy Captain Jan van Tol caution that challenges such as electronic warfare and physical barriers could reduce drones' effectiveness in certain scenarios. Despite these limitations, drones remain a cost-efficient tool for influencing enemy strategies and overwhelming defenses in confined areas.
This development represents a significant step in strengthening U.S.-Philippine military cooperation. While it enhances the Philippines' surveillance capabilities, it also reflects Washington's broader strategy to support its allies in increasingly contested and strategically vital regions.