A Russian Kilo-class submarine identified as Ufa 490 was spotted within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern over the vessel’s presence, first detected on November 28 west of Cape Calavite in Occidental Mindoro.
According to a report by WP Tech, the submarine’s crew claimed poor weather as the reason for their stay while heading to Vladivostok, Russia.
Philippine Navy Responds
The Philippine Navy acted quickly by deploying ships to intercept and make contact with the submarine.
Navy spokesman Roy Vincent Trinidad said the guided-missile frigate Jose Rizal confirmed the submarine’s identity and the crew’s explanation for being in Philippine waters.
President Marcos voiced his unease about the situation, saying, "It is very disturbing. Any interference in the western part of the Philippine Sea basin in our exclusive economic zone or maritime baselines is very concerning."
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Kilo-class submarines like the Ufa 490 are a critical part of Russia’s naval fleet.
Known for their stealth and versatility, these submarines can engage surface ships, conduct reconnaissance and deploy advanced weaponry such as 3M54 Kalibr anti-ship missiles with a range of up to 700 km.
With a length of about 75 meters and a displacement of 3,000 to 4,000 tons, these submarines are built for various sea conditions and can operate in multi-level warfare scenarios.
Geopolitical Implications
The sighting of a Russian submarine in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone comes amid heightened regional tensions.
While the crew attributed their presence to waiting for better weather conditions, the incident raises questions about the positioning of Russian naval assets in international waters.
Kilo-class submarines have mainly stayed in the Black Sea following the sinking of Rostov-on-Don.
