Australia bolsters the Philippine Coast Guard’s drone capability through second tranche of training
The Australian Government has delivered a second tranche of drone operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), reinforcing the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership as we approach 80 years of bilateral relations.
The training follows the delivery of PHP36 million worth of world-class aerial drones and associated training to PCG in April 2025, further bolstering its maritime domain awareness capabilities.
From 17-21 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 (DCCEEW) 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 24-28 November 2025, DCCEEW experts travelled to Laguna, Philippines to deliver specialised 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 endeavour 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 modernisation 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 PHP110 million (AUD3 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 (MoU) 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.