Will Trump's ‘Devil Ray’ counter the dragon? Philippines gets US-made sea drones amid China tensions

The Philippines has received two U.S.-made T38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels from American defence firm MARTAC, marking another step in growing military cooperation between Washington and Manila. The delivery comes as tensions rise across the South China Sea, with the Philippine military monitoring 29 Chinese vessels near Second Thomas Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, Sabina Shoal and Thitu Island. U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton said the transfer reflects the strength of the two countries' alliance and Washington's commitment to modernizing Philippine forces. But could these new sea drones become part of Manila's strategy to counter China's expanding naval presence?