The Australian Government has delivered a second tranche of drone operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard, reinforcing the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership as we approach 80 years of bilateral relations.

The training follows the delivery of P36 million worth of world-class aerial drones and associated training to PCG in April 2025, further bolstering its maritime domain awareness capabilities.

From 17 to 21 November 2025, 10 Aviation Command officers visited Melbourne, Australia, to complete specialised 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 2025, 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 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 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 Gavan, PCG commandant.