Philippine military reveals underwater drones likely linked to China
- Five underwater drones were found by Philippine fishermen, indicating a potential threat to national security.
- One drone was confirmed to have relayed a signal to China, raising concerns about espionage.
- The discovery coincides with preparations for military exercises with the United States, emphasizing the Philippines' defense readiness.
In a notable development for national security, the Philippine military announced the discovery of five underwater drones, which were found by local fishermen. These drones are reportedly equipped with advanced data collection capabilities that can assist in underwater warfare. The military disclosed that at least one of these devices had established a signal connection with China. The drones were located in strategically significant areas, including the north coast of Luzon and critical chokepoint regions such as Masbate Island and Mindanao. Philippine military officials indicated that the drones' operational capacities extend beyond merely navigation purposes. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad highlighted the potential for these devices to detect threats beneath the surface and to support the testing of weaponry. A forensic examination identified that one of the drones had a SIM card whose last known contact was traced back to mainland China. This finding has raised concerns about potential espionage or military preparations associated with Chinese interests. This revelation comes amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Philippines is set to engage in large-scale military exercises named Balikatan, commencing on April 21, 2025, in partnership with the United States. These exercises, involving around 10,000 soldiers, will include a first-ever test of integrated air missile defense capabilities, indicating a significant escalation in defense readiness. The Philippine defense leadership has emphasized the strategic necessity of these drills, particularly concerning the vulnerability of certain key areas to potential attacks. Officials have expressed the need for preparation without inciting alarm, reflecting a balancing act of maintaining national security against regional challenges. The military is on high alert as it gears up for the upcoming exercises and addresses the implications of the underwater drone findings related to its broader defense strategy in the face of regional maritime tensions.