American drone captures Chinese warship in Philippine EEZ

A small, privately operated American drone vessel captured close-range footage of a Chinese warship operating inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in mid-June, an incident that highlights the growing role of uncrewed systems in contested maritime regions. The footage, recorded on June 16 and verified by Reuters, shows a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Type 052D guided-missile destroyer approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) northwest of Luzon Island.

The drone, a 12-foot autonomous surface vessel named Lightfish, is manufactured by the San Diego-based startup Seasats. According to the company's CEO, Mike Flanigan, the drone detected the warship on radar from about 10 nautical miles away before approaching within several hundred meters. Flanigan stated that the Chinese vessel appeared to notice the drone, altering its course while monitoring the smaller craft's movements. The identity of the warship was confirmed by Reuters through analysis of its deck layout, superstructure, crane, and mast.

In response to the incident, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated it is aware of the reports and is tracking the situation alongside other maritime agencies. A...