Russian submarine spotted near Philippines, authorities express concern
Illustrative photo: a Russian submarine was spotted near the Philippines (Getty Images)
A Russian submarine was spotted near the Philippines, in the country's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed great concern, according to Reuters.
According to media reports, a Russian Kilo-class submarine was spotted 80 nautical miles off the western province of West Mindoro on November 28.
“That’s very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines, is very worrisome,” Marcos said.
Philippine Navy frigate Jose Rizal established radio contact with the Russian submarine and confirmed its identification as UFA 490 and its intentions.
“The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia,” said Navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad.
However, he did not give a reason why the boat was in the area.
Russian Kilo-class submarines
Kilo-class submarines are a series of diesel-electric submarines developed in the USSR and produced in Russia. They are one of the best-known and most efficient diesel-electric submarines in the world, thanks to their relatively low noise and versatility.
They are designed to perform tasks in coastal waters, fight ships and submarines, and strike land targets.
Use in Russia's war against Ukraine
Russia is actively using Kilo-class boats, in particular Project 636, to launch Kalibr cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine. They are deployed in the Black Sea, particularly in Sevastopol.
Earlier, we wrote that according to Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, submarines are currently the only missile launchers that Russians can use in the Black Sea. They were last used about 2 weeks ago during a Russian attack on Ukraine.
