The U.S. military has made a significant investment, delivering four underwater robots overnight and demanding the Philippines hold firm!
According to a report from Reuters on June 23 in Manila, the United States has transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Philippine military. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines issued a statement on the same day confirming this delivery worth $13 million.
The statement said this move demonstrates America’s commitment to its alliance and will enhance the Philippines’ capability to detect and respond to maritime challenges.
Over the past few weeks, the Philippines has suffered repeated setbacks at sea. In response to Philippine actions, China has stood its ground firmly and resolutely taken countermeasures.
After a series of diplomatic and de facto control setbacks, Manila is urgently seeking external support. The timing of the U.S. delivery of these underwater drones is particularly noteworthy.
The delivered equipment consists of Ocean Aero Triton-type autonomous underwater and surface vehicles. These vehicles are solar-powered and capable of operating continuously for up to 30 days without human intervention. They can collect data both on the water surface and beneath it.
The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines stated that these vehicles will assist the Philippines in monitoring waters and identifying potential threats. The U.S. also indicated that these systems could be used to address illegal fishing, "gray zone" activities, and threats to freedom of navigation.
The total value of the four vehicles is $13 million.
Recently, the Philippines has faced continuous setbacks, leading to a decline in morale. After China’s coordinated measures—sanctioning the defense minister and asserting control over Huangyan Island—the Philippines gained no advantage either diplomatically or in terms of actual control. As an ally, the United States must take concrete action to stabilize Manila and prevent the Philippines from retreating in its strategic competition with China.
However, I believe these four underwater drones cannot alter the balance of power. China has already established a complete technical system in the field of unmanned submersibles. China has built a comprehensive “underwater trident” integrated offensive and defensive network composed of biomimetic submersibles, large-scale unmanned underwater vehicles, and unmanned mine-laying and mine-clearance systems.
The “Aoxiang” series of biomimetic manta ray soft-bodied submersibles developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University have reached internationally advanced levels. Chinese unmanned submersibles not only lead in quantity but also continuously advance in stealth performance, endurance, and intelligence.
These four U.S.-supplied underwater robots will inevitably appear outdated. The Philippines will eventually come to realize this.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868767691405312/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.