MARTAC Unmanned Surface Vessels are a Key Enabler for a Philippines’ Porcupine Defense Strategy of their Archipelago
- August 05, 2025
A Porcupine Defense Strategy relying on MARTAC’s Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) are of critical importance in the Taiwan-Philippines-Japan Strategic Triangle
for regional security and global trade.
Melbourne, FL— On 8/5/2025, Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC), an innovator in Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), is proud to see its leading unmanned surface vessels (USVs) part of the Philippines’ evolving maritime defense strategy. Robbin Laird, a noted naval strategist, has referred to this evolving strategy as the “porcupine defense”. The porcupine defense is focused on distributing assets and leveraging AI technology and networks to create multiple defensive points to alter the calculus of naval engagement and provide an effective deterrent across the region.
As detailed in a newly published article, “US-Philippines Military Cooperation: Fast Boat Bases and Unmanned Systems Contribute to South China Sea Strategy”, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is deploying a network of Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) including MARTACs Devil Ray T38 (T38), to create a persistent, distributed maritime presence across its 7,000-island archipelago. Deploying a high-performance, AI-driven MARTAC USV Fleet is a cost-effective force multiplier that complicates adversary targeting and allows for rapid response to maritime threats over their expansive archipelago.
“At the heart of the porcupine defense is the ability to project speed, endurance, and ISR from multiple axis points simultaneously,” said Bruce Hanson, CEO of MARTAC. “Our USVs provide the Philippines with an unmatched combination of speed, autonomy, and mission flexibility—all at a fraction of the cost of manned systems.”
Benefits of Distributed Maritime Defense
MARTACs Devil Ray T38 is ideally suited for this mission:
• High-Speed Maneuverability: Reaches speeds exceeding 60 knots, allowing for rapid deployment and repositioning across the archipelago.
• Modular Mission Payloads: Up to 4,000 lbs. (1.815 kgs) of payload capacity supporting ISR, electronic warfare, counter UAS and anti-mine warfare missions.
• Persistent Autonomous System: MARTAC’s Systems operate in challenging environments with advanced AI-driven autonomy that integrates seamlessly with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications such as Starlink allowing for endurant fleet operations.
These capabilities align precisely with the needs outlined by Philippine and U.S. defense leaders, including Lt. Gen. “Stick” Rudder (USMC Ret.), who emphasized the importance of persistent unmanned systems to supplement limited naval capacity. Secretary Michael Wynne, former U.S. Air Force Secretary, further reinforced the need for “small, cheap, and independent” platforms to deliver credible deterrence in contested environments.
Task Force Ayungin & Operational Integration
MARTAC’s Systems are part of the evolving operational framework under Task Force Ayungin, which is charged with expanding Philippine USV operations while maintaining national sovereignty. With forward-positioned launch facilities in Palawan and Quezon Province, MARTAC vessels can be deployed in minutes to respond to threats in key areas such as Second Thomas Shoal.
“MARTAC systems were built for exactly these kinds of missions—agile, autonomous, and adaptable,” added Hanson. “This is a textbook application of our technology in support of an allied partner confronting gray-zone challenges.”
U.S. Partnership and Regional Impact
With support from the Maritime Security Consortium—a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command initiative providing US$95 million annually for rapid maritime capability delivery—MARTAC is helping deliver operational capabilities today, not decades from now.
The Philippines’ model is already drawing interest from other allies in the Indo-Pacific and beyond as they encounter similar maritime security concerns in a changing geopolitical environment.
To learn more about the Philippines’ Porcupine Strategy, you can download the report by clicking:
Shaping-a-Porcupine-Defense-Strategy-for-the-Phillipines-Print
Or you can listen to a podcast at:
Maritime Tactical Systems Inc. (MARTAC) is the worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Solutions. MARTAC has a proven track record with thousands of hours operating worldwide and is the solution to your maritime mission needs.
