UK, India to send naval ships to Manila to boost maritime security with PH

Metro Manila, Philippines - The United Kingdom and India will be sending naval vessels to Manila in the coming weeks as part of deepening defense and maritime security ties, officials from both countries confirmed.

The separate port visits are part of a broader effort to promote a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, as tensions persist in the South China Sea.

UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils announced that an asset from the Royal Navy’s carrier strike group (Operation Highmast) will visit Manila later this year.

“Operation Highmast is a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific and our resolve to uphold the rules-based international system,” Beaufils said during a forum marking the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.

While it is not the full strike group, she said the planned ship visit symbolizes the UK’s increasing engagement in regional defense and its support for Philippine maritime security.

The UK also participates in joint exercises like Balikatan, and is expanding maritime cooperation through dialogues, training, and support in Maritime Domain Awareness MDA.

Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain confirmed that four Indian Navy ships will arrive in Manila in July for goodwill and bilateral engagements with the Philippine Navy.

“India and the Philippines have a congruence of interest on various defense-related issues and maritime security,” he said.

India is also finalizing talks for expanded cooperation across the navy, air force, and army, and is offering advanced defense platforms, including in air defense, reconnaissance, surveillance, and joint production.

The visit builds on India’s earlier delivery of the BrahMos missile system to the Philippines and reflects growing interest in co-developing defense capabilities with Manila.

Both the UK and India reaffirmed their support for the 2016 Arbitral Award and emphasized the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

“The UK underlines that the Arbitral Award is binding… and we will continue to call out actions that raise tensions,” Beaufils said.

Jain noted the need for coordinated regional defense to maintain peace and deter aggression.