The Philippines needs a comprehensive maritime domain awareness (MDA) capability to counter increased state and non-state maritime threats. One of the goals of the Philippine military modernization program is to improve maritime situational awareness through the Philippine Navy Maritime Situational Awareness System (PNMSAS). The primary aim of this research is to understand the current status of the PNMSAS, the gaps, and the potential role of maritime special operations forces in enhancing the Philippines’ maritime situational awareness. This qualitative research utilizes data gleaned from government documents and key informant interviews, as well as information obtained from published literature. The Philippine Navy has undertaken several initiatives to date. These include the establishment of new coast watch stations and the upgrading of existing ones, and the procurement of new naval platforms that can augment information collection for maritime situational awareness. The Philippines, however, is hampered by scant resources and the long-term delivery of acquired land-based and mobile sensors, and thus needs to look for a cost-effective information collection system that does not depend on expensive technology alone. This thesis examines the potential role of maritime special operations forces as a low cost/low technology solution that will augment existing initiatives and enhance the Philippine Navy’s maritime domain awareness capability.Commander, Philippine NavyApproved for public release. distribution is unlimite
