Manila: Australia is set to provide at least PHP413 million worth of cutting-edge drone technology and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), said visiting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday. Wong, who is in Manila to participate in the week-long Philippine-hosted ASEAN meetings, expressed hopes that this new assistance will further contribute to the PCG's maritime security, search-and-rescue, and environmental protection operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Wong emphasized that the PHP413 million drone package benefits not just the Philippines' maritime security agencies, but also millions of everyday Filipinos who rely on an open and accessible maritime domain for their livelihoods and commerce. In a statement forwarded by the Australian Embassy in Manila, she expressed pride in standing with the Philippine Coast Guard as they work to enhance maritime security and uphold international law in the region.

The four-year drones support package includes long-range, heavy-lift, and underwater capabilities, counter-drone technology, and specialist training. This initiative is expected to bolster the PCG's strategic maritime domain awareness capabilities. The new tranche of assistance brings Australia's total drone support for the Philippine Coast Guard to PHP578 million since April 2025.

In addition to the drone package, Wong announced that Australia would double its bilateral civil maritime assistance to the Philippines through a new four-year, PHP678 million Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnerships and Support (C-MAPS) investment. She described the doubling of bilateral civil maritime assistance as a tangible contribution to the shared interest of Australia and the Philippines in a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. The C-MAPS initiative focuses on civil maritime security and marine environmental protection, providing dedicated maritime support to the Philippines.