Australia has completed a second round of drone operator training for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation as both countries approach 80 years of diplomatic ties.
The training follows Australia’s April 2025 delivery of PHP36 million worth of advanced drones to help improve the PCG’s maritime surveillance.
From 17–21 November, ten PCG Aviation Command officers trained in Melbourne on the Australian-made SYPAQ fixed-wing drone through a “train-the-trainer” program. From 24–28 November, DCCEEW experts conducted follow-up training in Laguna for 30 PCG personnel, covering day and night drone operations and maintenance.
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown said the effort highlights Australia’s strong support for the PCG’s modernisation, while PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan thanked Australia for advancing the service’s role in maintaining maritime security.
The initiative is part of Australia’s commitment to provide up to PHP110 million (AUD3 million) in additional drones and other uncrewed surveillance technologies, alongside broader civil maritime assistance. It also builds on the 2024 MoU on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, which continues to deepen collaboration in support of a stable, rules-based regional order.
