US sends 4 autonomous sea drones to Philippines amid China tensions
Why it matters: The $13 million Triton vehicles can gather data above and below the South China Sea for up to 30 days.
The United States has delivered four autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Philippine military as Manila faces renewed friction with Beijing in the South China Sea. The Ocean Aero Triton systems, valued at about $13 million, are solar-powered and can collect data above and below the ocean’s surface for as long as 30 days, the US Embassy in Manila said June 23. Washington cast the transfer as part of efforts to strengthen a treaty ally’s deterrence and readiness. The move comes after the Philippines protested what it called China’s illegal floating structure at Scarborough Shoal. Beijing later removed the platform, saying it had been used for scientific research while insisting its activities there were within its rights.