Australia pledges ₱110M in drones, tech to boost PH maritime defense awareness
Metro Manila, Philippines - Australia will provide the Philippines with up to ₱110 million (A$3 million) in drones and uncrewed maritime domain awareness technology over the next two years, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu announced Friday, July 12.
It was the ambassador’s final address as she nears the end of her posting, and coincided with events marking the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award that reaffirmed the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“It is my great pleasure to announce today that over the next two years, Australia will provide PCG [Philippine Coast Guard] with up to A$3 million, or approximately 110 million pesos, in drones and other uncrewed maritime domain awareness technologies,” Yu said.
The envoy said the support includes not just hardware but also training, integration packages, and operational support for Philippine maritime agencies. It builds on Australia’s previous donation of 20 aerial drones and 21 VHF base radios, already in use by the PCG for surveillance and rescue missions.
Yu emphasized that these efforts are part of Australia’s broader commitment to help Southeast Asian partners uphold international law, particularly UNCLOS, and to respond to “destabilizing conduct” and “excessive maritime claims” in the South China Sea.
“We continue to see destabilising conduct in the South China Sea, as well as excessive maritime claims that are inconsistent with UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award,” she noted, citing recent incidents affecting both Philippine and Australian vessels and aircraft.
The aid forms part of the Philippine-Australia Strategic Partnership, which was elevated in 2023 and now spans defense, civil maritime operations, cyber cooperation, and more. Yu described the partnership as being “at an historic high.”
In August, Australia will conduct Exercise ALON, the largest Australian military exercise held outside its territory this year, in cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
