US-based Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC) has delivered two unmanned surface vessels (USV) to the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC). It has also opened a local facility to support Philippine operators of its craft.
The company announced on November 9 that its new support centre will provide training for PMC personnel, carry out system maintenance and stock spare parts. MARTAC previously identified Subic Bay as the centre's location.
According to the company, the centre is intended to sustain system availability and enable rapid PMC deployment of the USVs. It is also meant to create local jobs and partnerships that will build Philippine capabilities for deploying "a large USV fleet over the next several years."
The latest delivery follows the supply of five MARTAC vessels to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in mid-2024. That batch comprised one larger USV and four smaller all-electric USVs.
The larger USV, an 11-metre catamaran, can reach burst speeds of over 60 knots and carry a maximum payload of 1,814 kilograms. MARTAC lists logistics support, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance among the craft’s missions.
In September, MARTAC partnered with Solace Boats to add production capacity for 100 USVs annually.