US Gives Philippines 4 Sea Drones to Help Keep Indo-Pacific ‘Free and Open’

In recent years the United States’ ally has clashed repeatedly with Beijing over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

A Chinese Coast Guard ship fires a water cannon at a Philippine Navy chartered vessel conducting a routine resupply mission to troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, in the South China Sea on March 5, 2024. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

The United States has given the Philippine military four ‌sea drones to help it spot ⁠potential threats in its waters, as Washington’s ally tackles Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said in a statement on June 23 that the supply of the Ocean Aero Triton drones, together valued at $13 million, demonstrated Washington’s commitment to Manila and to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”