As Australia and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations, Australia is expanding its support for the Philippine Coast Guard with new drone technology, training, and a broader civil maritime assistance program.
Australia is stepping up its support for the Philippines’ maritime capabilities with an additional PHP413 million worth of cutting-edge drone technology and operator training for the Philippine Coast Guard, reinforcing the two countries’ Strategic Partnership as they celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations.
The new support package, announced in Manila by Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong on July 21, will run for four years and expand the range of capabilities available to the Philippine Coast Guard. It includes long-range, heavy-lift and underwater drones, counter-drone technology, and specialist training.
More drones, more capability
The assistance is designed to bolster the Philippine Coast Guard’s strategic maritime domain awareness capabilities, strengthening its ability to monitor and respond across the country’s vast maritime territory.
The new tranche brings Australia’s total drone support for the Philippine Coast Guard to PHP578 million since April 2025. Previous assistance has provided 35 drones, along with training for their use.
But the latest commitment goes beyond drone technology. Foreign Minister Wong also announced that Australia would double its bilateral civil maritime assistance to the Philippines through a new four-year, PHP678 million Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnerships and Support investment.
The expanded program will support a range of initiatives, including operational equipment and training, marine protection, maritime governance reform, climate change mitigation, as well as postgraduate scholarships and Law of the Sea courses.
A broader maritime partnership
For Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown, the investment is ultimately about more than strengthening maritime capabilities. It also supports the millions of Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on the country’s seas. “This PHP413 million drones package benefits not just the Philippines’ maritime security agencies, but the millions of everyday Filipinos who rely on an open and accessible maritime domain for their livelihoods and commerce,” he pointed out.
The Philippine Coast Guard has already put Australian-provided drones to work in a range of operations, including maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. “Australian gifted drones have already been successfully used by the Philippine Coast Guard in maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection operations,” Amb. Innes-Brown said.
The expanded support also reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to maritime security and the rules governing the region.
As Amb. Innes-Brown shared, “We are proud to stand with the Philippine Coast Guard as they work to enhance maritime security and uphold international law in our region.”
With Australia doubling its bilateral civil maritime assistance, the partnership is set to encompass an even broader range of practical support. “The doubling of our bilateral civil maritime assistance to PHP678 million is a tangible contribution to Australia and the Philippines’ shared interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” Amb. Innes-Brown concluded.
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