Russian sub in West PH Sea awaiting clear weather, enroute to Vladivostok – AFP

RARE SIGHTING Contributed photo shows the Russian Navy’s Ufa submarine surfacing on Philippine waters last Thursday. The 74-meter-long vessel is capable of firing Kalibr cruise missiles, which were used recently against Ukraine.

MANILA, Philippines — A Russian attack submarine, Ufa 490, surfaced in the West Philippine Sea last week and is reportedly awaiting improved weather conditions before heading to Vladivostok, Russia, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The submarine was spotted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro, on November 28.

“Upon receiving the report, the PN immediately deployed assets to monitor and address the situation, ensuring the security of Philippine waters,” the AFP said in a statement on Monday.

READ: Russian attack sub spotted in West PH Sea

AFP added that one of the Navy’s deployed assets, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), “established radio communications with the submarine, which confirmed its identity, crew complement, and navigational intent.”

“The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia. Philippine naval forces, including FF150, escorted and monitored operations to ensure the submarine’s compliance with maritime regulations within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” the military force said.

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Reports revealed that the submarine came from Malaysia and did not submerge as it moved slowly northward, remaining outside the country’s territorial waters until the weekend.