Philippine Navy Guides Russian Submarine Out of Rough Weather

The Philippine Navy (PN) assisted a Russian submarine, UFA 490, navigating through rough weather 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro, on November 28.

Responding to reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PN deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) for monitoring and support. Establishing radio communication, the Russian submarine confirmed its identity, crew size, and intention to proceed to Vladivostok, Russia, once weather conditions improved.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that the submarine, an Improved Kilo II-class diesel-electric attack vessel, was likely conducting maintenance activities, including refueling and battery recharging. This assessment was based on the presence of a rescue tug and a support vessel nearby.

The submarine had reportedly transited from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, after exercises with the Royal Malaysian Navy and was en route to Vladivostok. The Philippine Navy's actions ensured adherence to international maritime regulations while safeguarding Philippine waters.

This marked the first recorded detection of a Russian submarine within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting heightened vigilance. Although submarines are allowed to transit EEZs under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the PN emphasized its commitment to monitoring foreign naval activities to protect maritime sovereignty and uphold regional peace.