A Russian submarine, known for its stealth capabilities, has been spotted operating in waters claimed by the Philippines, sparking concerns over regional security. The submarine, identified as the Ufa, was observed within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, prompting a response from the Philippine Navy.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed his concerns about the submarine’s presence during a news conference on December 2, highlighting the potential implications for his country’s sovereignty. Rear-Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, confirmed that the Ufa communicated with a naval frigate to clarify its intentions. The Russian vessel reportedly stated it was waiting for improved weather conditions before continuing its journey to Vladivostok.

According to Russian state media, the Ufa, along with a rescue tug named Alatau, had been operating in the South China Sea after making a port visit in Malaysia. The submarine, which was originally deployed in the Baltic Sea, had recently been relocated to the Pacific to bolster Russia’s naval presence in the region.

The Ufa is part of Russia’s Project 636.3 class of submarines, which are renowned for their quiet operation and stealthy capabilities, earning them the nickname “black holes.” Armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, the Ufa has seen deployment in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Its appearance in contested waters may be interpreted as a strategic move, signalling Russia’s presence in an area where tensions are rising over territorial disputes, particularly between China and the Philippines.

Experts suggest that the Ufa’s surfacing in the South China Sea could be a message from Russia to the United States, emphasising that Russia is a significant player in the region. Dr Eduardo Araral, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, speculated that the submarine’s appearance might be a deliberate show of force, intended to convey to the US that Russia is also willing to engage in the region.

Russia’s growing involvement in the South China Sea is not entirely unexpected. As a close ally of China, Russia has participated in joint military exercises in the region, including large-scale naval and air drills with China in September. These exercises, involving hundreds of warships, aircraft, and thousands of troops, were seen as a countermeasure to increasing US influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Philippines, a long-time US ally, has become increasingly entangled in confrontations with China over the South China Sea. Under President Marcos, the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance against Chinese territorial ambitions, particularly in the Spratly Islands. Recent incidents, including confrontations between Philippine resupply ships and Chinese coast guard vessels, have heightened tensions in the region.

China’s actions, such as swarming Philippine vessels and aggressive overflights by military helicopters, have drawn strong criticism from Manila. The latest flashpoint involves the Spratly’s Iroquis Reef, where China’s seaborne militia is suspected of preparing to establish another fortified island in disputed waters, further escalating the ongoing territorial dispute.

As geopolitical rivalries continue to unfold in the South China Sea, the presence of the Ufa submarine serves as a stark reminder of the growing military competition between global powers in this strategically vital region.