The Australian Government has conducted a second phase of drone operator training for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), reinforcing the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership ahead of the 80th anniversary of bilateral relations.
This training follows the delivery of P36 million worth of aerial drones and associated training to the PCG in April 2025, aimed at improving maritime domain awareness capabilities.
From 17 to 21 November 2025, 10 PCG Aviation Command officers visited Melbourne, Australia, to complete specialised training on the Australian SYPAQ fixed-wing drone.
The program, a joint effort with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) and manufacturer SYPAQ Systems, covered theoretical and field exercises designed to enhance PCG’s training capacity.
From 24 to 28 November 2025, DCCEEW experts delivered drone operator training in Laguna, Philippines, for 30 PCG officers. The program included daytime and nighttime 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 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,” he added.
The training is part of Australia’s commitment to provide up to P110 million (AUD 3 million) in additional drones and uncrewed maritime domain awareness technologies, announced in July 2025.
Australia’s civil maritime assistance to the Philippines also includes vessel remediation, postgraduate scholarships, operational equipment and training, marine protection, and biannual Law of the Sea courses.
The two countries strengthened civil maritime cooperation through a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, signed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Australia. The MoU supports collaboration on maritime security and adherence to international law.