Russian submarine spotted in Philippine waters: authorities raise concerns

Reuters reported the information.

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 told reporters, referring to part of the South China Sea within the Philippines' maritime zone.

The Philippine Navy frigate Jose Rizal established radio contact with a Russian submarine, identifying it as UFA 490.

The Russian vessel stated that it was waiting for weather conditions to improve before heading to Vladivostok. The Philippine Navy escorted the submarine to ensure compliance with maritime regulations.

Russian Kilo-class submarines are considered to be some of the quietest submarines and have been constantly improved since the 1980s.

• In October, the armed forces of the Philippines, the United States, Australia, Canada, France, and Japan conducted joint naval exercises off the northern Philippine island of Luzon, which borders Taiwan.