The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), through its Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM), will conduct a Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from January 19 to 23, 2026, reinforcing growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
The five-day course is sponsored by Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) under the Department of National Defence and delivered in partnership with the Philippines’ Department of National Defense. It is aimed at strengthening cyber resilience and enhancing regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
MCSOC is an introductory program focused on Defensive Cyber Operations, equipping participants with practical skills to detect, assess, and respond to malicious cyber activities targeting government and military networks. The course reflects Canada’s defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, which prioritizes cyber readiness, international partnerships, and regional stability.
Participants include personnel from the AFP Cyber Command and the Philippine Army Signal Regiment Cyber Battalion, highlighting the Philippines’ increasing focus on cyber defence as a critical component of national security.
The training builds on the momentum of the recently signed Canada–Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which enables more structured, predictable, and expanded defence engagement between the two nations.
By delivering MCSOC, CAFCYBERCOM supports the development of local cyber expertise, improves interoperability between allied forces, and assists the Philippines in strengthening its national cyber defence posture. The initiative also advances Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy of working with like-minded partners to address emerging security threats.
As cyber threats continue to evolve globally, the Canadian Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to sharing expertise, building trusted defence partnerships, and promoting collective cyber resilience both at home and abroad.