US defense chief to observe Philippine Navy tech demo

MANILA, Philippines — United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III will observe a Philippine Navy tech demonstration showcasing T-12 unmanned surface vessels, a key capability used to protect sovereignty and operations throughout the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, the US Department of Defense said.

Austin marks his fourth visit to the country and his 12th trip to the Indo-Pacific since taking office, as he continues to build upon the strong partnerships forged under his tenure throughout the US priority theater of operations.

The T-12 unmanned surface vessels, provided by the US through foreign military financing, is a key capability used by Philippine forces.

Austin will meet today with President Marcos, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and other senior government officials.

Teodoro will be receiving Austin today for a bilateral meeting at Camp Aguinaldo.

The two secretaries will be visiting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command in Palawan tomorrow.

During his discussions with Philippine officials, Austin “will reiterate our steadfast commitment to the mutual defense treaty, and discuss ways that we can continue to support the Philippines’ security through the implementation of the $500 million in foreign military financing that was announced during his last visit to the Philippines,” a senior US defense official said.

Austin announced that the US wants an additional $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with the “unprecedented” and “once in a generation” investment to help modernize the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard.

Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said the partnership with the Philippines expanded and deepened with the establishment of more Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, guided by the National Defense Strategy, which identifies China as the “pacing challenge.”