True to its commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ maritime and cybersecurity defenses, Australia has expanded its support with a new round of drone operator training for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The initiative strengthens the Philippines–Australia Strategic Partnership as both countries approach 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Ten officers from the PCG Aviation Command (AVCOM) completed intensive training in Melbourne, Australia, conducted by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Australian drone manufacturer SYPAQ Systems. The program builds on the April 2025 handover of PHP36 million worth of SYPAQ fixed-wing drones and associated training. Designed as a train-the-trainer program, it combines classroom modules with hands-on field exercises, equipping PCG personnel to independently conduct future trainings and ensuring long-term operational capability.
From 24 to 28 November 2025, DCCEEW specialists travelled to Laguna to deliver a second phase of instruction to 30 additional PCG Aviation Command members. The training covered daytime and nighttime drone operations, advanced piloting skills, and maintenance procedures, further enhancing the PCG’s maritime domain awareness and response capacity.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, emphasized that the program reflects Australia’s steadfast commitment to supporting the PCG’s modernisation and maritime security objectives, stating that Canberra is proud to stand with the PCG in safeguarding international law and vital waters.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support, highlighting that the training enhances the PCG’s ability to contribute to global maritime security and strengthens its role as a protector of the rules-based order at sea.
The initiative is part of Australia’s broader commitment to provide up to PHP110 million (AUD 3 million) in additional drones and other uncrewed maritime domain awareness technologies, announced in July 2025 on the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award. Australia’s civil maritime assistance to the Philippines also includes vessel remediation, postgraduate scholarships, operational equipment and training, marine environmental protection programs, and biannual Law of the Sea courses.
Bilateral cooperation continues to advance under the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, signed during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to Australia. The MoU seeks to accelerate joint efforts toward a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region grounded in respect for international law.