AUSTRALIA BOOSTS PCG DRONE FLEET
Australia is giving the Philippine Coast Guard another P413 million in advanced drones, counter-drone systems and training, bringing its total drone support since 2025 to P578 million.
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Australia is giving the Philippine Coast Guard another P413 million in advanced drones, counter-drone systems and training, bringing its total drone support since 2025 to P578 million.
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Australia will provide an additional P413 million worth of cutting-edge drone technology and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCGG), reinforcing the Philippine-Australia Strategic Partnership as we celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Today in Manila, Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon. Penny Wong announced Australia would provide a new, four-year drones support package that includes long-range, heavy-lift and underwater capabilities, counter-drone technology and specialist training.
The support will bolster the PCG’s strategic maritime domain awareness capabilities.
This new tranche of assistance brings Australian drones support for the PCG to P578 million since April 2025. Previous support has provided 35 drones and training.
Foreign Minister Wong said Australia would also double its bilateral civil maritime assistance to the Philippines, through a new four-year, P678-million Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnerships and Support investment.
Australian assistance continues to deliver operational equipment and training, marine protection, maritime governance reform, climate change mitigation and postgraduate scholarships and Law of the Sea courses.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown said: "This P413-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."
"Australian gifted drones have already been successfully used by the Philippine Coast Guard in maritime security, search and rescue and environmental protection operations."
"We are proud to stand with the Philippine Coast Guard as they work to enhance maritime security and uphold international law in our region."
"The doubling of our bilateral civil maritime assistance to P678 million is a tangible contribution to Australia and the Philippines' shared interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
