Australia Pledges Additional PHP110 Million in Drones and Maritime Technology Support to Philippine Coast Guard
Makati City, The Gulf Observer: Australia will provide an additional PHP110 million worth of drones and maritime domain awareness-related technology to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), outgoing Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu announced on Friday.
Speaking at the Stratbase ADR Institute forum, Ambassador Yu emphasized that the new assistance package will be delivered over the next few years and will include not only advanced equipment but also extensive training and integration support.
“Our commitment goes further than physical assets. It also includes operational training, support, and an integration package,” Yu stated. “This capability uplift is another example of Australia’s ongoing commitment to provide tangible assistance to the Philippines to boost its maritime domain awareness.”
The new package builds on the PHP34 million worth of drones and operator training Australia has already provided to the PCG. In April, Australia turned over 20 high-grade aerial drones to the Philippines, aimed at enhancing the PCG’s strategic capabilities in maritime domain awareness.
This support is part of Canberra’s broader civil maritime cooperation with Manila, which encompasses vessel remediation, marine protection initiatives, postgraduate scholarships, operational training, and annual Law of the Sea courses.
In addition to maritime support, Australia is increasing its cyber security cooperation with the Philippines. Ambassador Yu highlighted the vital role of the PCG not just at sea, but also in cyberspace.
“Through DFAT’s Southeast Asia and Pacific Cyber Program, we are stepping up cyber capacity building support to the Philippines as a priority partner country,” Yu said.
She reiterated Australia’s commitment to assisting Philippine institutions, including the PCG and Philippine National Police, in strengthening their cyber response and mitigation capabilities.
In 2023, Ambassador Yu announced Australia’s decision to double its civil maritime cooperation funding with the Philippines, raising it to PHP649 million from 2025 to 2029.
