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Tiny US Drone Films Chinese Warship in Philippines' EEZ
29 Jul
Summary
- A US drone producer filmed a Chinese warship in Philippine waters.
- The drone captured footage, believed to be a first for a US private firm.
- A $240,000 drone can approach a billion-dollar warship, highlighting new warfare dynamics.
A California-based drone manufacturer, Seasats, has released footage of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The video, filmed on June 16, is believed to be the first of its kind captured by a private U.S. company.
The Seasats Lightfish drone, costing approximately $240,000, approached a Chinese Type 052D guided-missile destroyer off Luzon Island. This incident highlights the evolving nature of warfare, where smaller, more affordable autonomous vessels can potentially gather intelligence on or even threaten multi-billion dollar naval assets.
Reuters independently verified the authenticity of the footage, confirming the vessel's identity and the location 105 km northwest of Luzon Island. The Philippine Coast Guard has reported an increased Chinese maritime presence in the area. The Philippine embassy urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions within its EEZ.
