Media Release
21 July 2026
Australia will provide an additional PHP413 million worth of cutting-edge drone technology and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard, 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 Philippine Coast Guard’s strategic maritime domain awareness capabilities.
This new tranche of assistance brings Australian drones support for the Philippine Coast Guard to PHP578 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, PHP678 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.
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