Russian attack submarine UFA 490 spotted by the Philippine Navy as it crossed the West Philippine Sea last November 28. Photo by Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday confirmed that a Russian attack submarine has been spotted off the waters of Occidental Mindoro in the West Philippine Sea. 

“I would just like to confirm the report of the Philippine Navy (PN) that there is a presence of a Russian submarine that we monitored in Occidental Mindoro,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG Spokesperson for WPS.

“[T]he Russian submarine passed through our exclusive economic zone,” Tarriela said. 

According to the Navy, the Russian attack vessel identified as UFA 490 is a Kilo II class diesel electric fleet also known as a highly advanced silent submarine. It was monitored around 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro in the West Philippine Sea on November 28. 

Upon sighting, the Navy immediately deployed an aircraft and a warship to track the movement of the Russian vessel. The UFA 490 was then met with a radio challenge from the Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) which confirmed its identity, crew complement, and navigational intent.

The Navy said the Russian vessel was awaiting form improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia.

The Philippine naval assets monitored the vessel’s operations to make sure the submarine complied with maritime regulations within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The sighting coincided with the Russian Pacific Fleet’s announcement that UFA 490 conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with Malaysian Navy vessels in the South China Sea on Nov. 25. 

President Marcos Jr. expressed concern with yet another foreign vessel sighting within the West Philippine Sea. 

“That’s very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines is very worrisome. Yes it’s just another one,” Marcos told reporters in an interview in Marikina on Monday.