Eyes in the sky

Fresh off a P36-million drone delivery, Australia is back, putting the Philippine Coast Guard through another round of eyes-in-the-sky training, an early toast to the two nations’ 80 years of bilateral ties.

From 17 to 21 November, 10 Aviation Command officers visited Melbourne, Australia, to complete specialized training on the Australian SYPAQ fixed-wing drone.

Delivered with Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s Office of the Chief Remote Pilot and the sovereign manufacturer, SYPAQ Systems, this train-the-trainer initiative included theoretical and field activities to enhance PCG’s training capabilities.

From 24 to 28 November, DCCEEW experts traveled to Laguna to deliver specialized drone operator training to 30 PCG officers, spanning night and daytime drone operations and maintenance.

“This training is another example of Australia’s steadfast commitment to supporting PCG’s maritime-domain awareness capabilities and modernization agenda” said Australian 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 endeavor 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 modernization 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 P110 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 strengthened their civil maritime cooperation through a 2024 memorandum of understanding on enhanced maritime cooperation, signed during President Marcos’ historic Australian visit.

The MoU continues to accelerate closer collaboration in promoting a shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region and respect for international law.