Australia has delivered advanced drone operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities and reinforcing the 80-year partnership between the two nations.
The training follows the April 2025 delivery of P36 million worth of drones and related instruction, enhancing the PCG’s maritime domain awareness capabilities.
From Nov. 17-21, 10 Aviation Command officers visited Melbourne to complete specialised training on Australia’s SYPAQ fixed-wing drone. The program, conducted with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the drone manufacturer SYPAQ Systems, combined classroom lessons and field exercises to prepare the PCG to train its own personnel.
From Nov. 24-28, DCCEEW experts traveled to Laguna in the Philippines to train 30 PCG officers. The course covered daytime and nighttime drone operations and maintenance, giving officers hands-on experience with advanced unmanned aerial systems.
“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,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
The training is part of Australia’s pledge to provide up to P110 million (AUD3 million) in additional drones and other unmanned maritime technologies, announced in July 2025 on the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Australia also supports the PCG with vessel upgrades, scholarships, operational equipment and training, marine protection, and biannual Law of the Sea courses.
Maritime cooperation was further strengthened in 2024 through a Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, signed during President Marcos’ historic visit to Australia. The MoU continues to guide collaboration toward a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region grounded in respect for international law.
About the Author
