The Philippine Army on Friday highlighted its strong defense partnership with the United Kingdom, citing it as a key factor in the military’s ongoing modernization and strategic shift toward external defense.

The statement came as outgoing UK Defense Attaché Group Capt. Beatrix VH Walcot and her successor, Capt. Anthony Julian Stockbridge, paid a joint courtesy call on Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete at Fort Bonifacio.

Walcot, who served for two years as the UK’s first resident defense attaché in the Philippines, thanked the Philippine Army for its support during her tenure.

In response, Nafarrete praised Walcot’s contributions to strengthening bilateral military ties, especially in land-based defense cooperation, training and education.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the visit also served to formally introduce Stockbridge, who will continue the defense diplomacy between the two countries.

The Philippines and the UK have maintained strong defense relations, formalized through memorandums of understanding signed in 2017 and 2024.

These agreements focus on collaboration in military training, maritime security and counterterrorism.

The UK Royal Navy has previously supported freedom of navigation operations and regional stability, particularly amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.