Advanced drone operator training reinforces Australia–Philippines strategic maritime cooperation
The Australian Government has delivered a second tranche of drone operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), reinforcing the Philippines–Australia Strategic Partnership as the two countries approach 80 years of bilateral relations.
The training follows the delivery of PHP36 million worth of world-class aerial drones and associated training to the PCG in April 2025, further bolstering its maritime domain awareness capabilities.
From 17–21 November 2025, 10 Aviation Command officers visited Melbourne, Australia, to complete specialised training on the Australian SYPAQ fixed-wing drone. Delivered in partnership with Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Office of the Chief Remote Pilot and sovereign manufacturer SYPAQ Systems, this train-the-trainer initiative included theoretical and field activities designed to enhance the PCG’s internal training capabilities.
From 24–28 November 2025, DCCEEW experts travelled to Laguna, Philippines, to deliver specialised drone operator training to 30 PCG officers, covering both night-time and daytime drone operations as well as maintenance.
“This training is another example of Australia’s steadfast commitment to supporting PCG’s maritime domain awareness capabilities and modernisation agenda,” said Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown.
“We are proud to stand with the brave men and women of the PCG as they work to enhance maritime security and uphold international law.”
“This endeavour is instrumental in harnessing our full potential to strengthen our service and to contribute to global maritime security efforts. I extend my gratitude to the Australian Government for continuously supporting and assisting us in our modernisation efforts and advancing our role as responsible protectors of the rules-based order at sea,” expressed Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, PCG Commandant.
The training was delivered in line with Australia’s commitment to provide up to PHP110 million (AUD 3 million) in additional drones and other uncrewed maritime domain awareness technologies, announced on the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award in July 2025.
Australia’s civil maritime assistance also includes vessel remediation, postgraduate scholarships, operational equipment and training, marine protection, and biannual Law of the Sea courses.
Australia and the Philippines further strengthened their civil maritime cooperation through a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, signed during President Marcos’ historic visit to Australia. The MoU continues to accelerate closer collaboration in promoting a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, underpinned by respect for international law.
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