The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence ties with the Philippines as UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Manila this week. His visit coincided with the port call of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond, following its participation in the UK Carrier Strike Group’s deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
Lord Coaker’s visit highlighted the UK’s intent to deepen partnerships across the region, consistent with the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review. It underscored the importance of building strong, resilient security relationships beyond the Euro-Atlantic to help ensure global peace and stability.
During his meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Lord Coaker presented a letter from UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP to formally initiate discussions on a proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). Once agreed, the SOVFA would represent a significant milestone in bilateral defence cooperation, enabling broader joint training, enhanced maritime awareness initiatives, and expanded capacity-building efforts.
Lord Coaker also met with senior officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Coast Guard, underscoring the growing momentum in UK-Philippines defence relations. Later this year, the UK will participate in Exercise Sama Sama, sending experts to contribute to capacity-building programs. These efforts demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to regional cooperation through professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The visit also showcased the strength of UK defence innovation and its potential to support trade and industrial collaboration with the Philippines. An industry day held aboard HMS Richmond presented cutting-edge British defence technologies, highlighting opportunities for exports and demonstrating how defence ties can also drive industrial partnership and economic growth.
“The UK’s relationship with the Philippines is strong and continues to flourish. We can help shape a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Lord Coaker said.
“The deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific reflects the importance of the region to UK security and prosperity. It has been a privilege to see cutting-edge defence innovation from both the UK and the Philippines. Together, we will enhance our defence cooperation and boost our trade.”
HMS Richmond’s port call to Manila is part of its return journey to the UK after joining the Carrier Strike Group, which engaged with over 30 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia.