Countries around the South China Sea are increasingly turning to long-endurance drones to maintain constant surveillance over the region’s heavily contested waters.
These unmanned systems are becoming essential tools because they can stay airborne far longer than traditional aircraft and operate at lower cost, allowing governments to monitor maritime activity continuously without the limitations of manned patrols.
A recent report in the South China Morning Post shows that United States has strengthened cooperation with the Philippines by deploying unarmed MQ-9A Reaper drones at Manila’s request. These aircraft, used only for surveillance, are intended to enhance the Philippines’ ability to observe activity in its surrounding waters and support broader American efforts to promote maritime security in Southeast Asia.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth encouraged ASEAN to develop shared initiatives that leverage unmanned aerial and underwater systems, emphasizing the strategic value of data-driven monitoring.
China has dramatically expanded its own drone operations. The country’s investment in long-endurance UAV technology is closely tied to its need to maintain a near-constant presence around disputed features like Scarborough Shoal, where long term patrol became increasingly costly for China as the nearest military base is about 600 kms away.
Other Southeast Asian countries are also building drone capabilities, though at different levels depending on their resources. Vietnam has developed its own long-range drones, while Indonesia and Malaysia are purchasing advanced systems from Turkey for maritime patrols.
Together, these developments show a region-wide shift toward unmanned technologies as governments try to keep pace with rising tensions and increasing military activity.
Experts argue that drones offer major strategic advantages: persistent presence, lower operational risk, and the ability to rapidly collect and share information. When tensions are low, drones serve to maintain a steady presence that reinforces territorial claims. In a conflict scenario, drones could be used to detect threats or carry out strikes with fewer human casualties.
Analysts also caution that drones cannot enforce authority on their own. Tasks like boarding vessels or making legal inspections still require human personnel. Moreover, operating advanced unmanned systems demands secure communications, technical expertise, and significant investment, challenges that some Southeast Asian states may struggle to meet.
