Darwin: The Philippines and Australia are strengthening their defense relationship as defense chiefs from both nations prepare to convene for the 3rd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers' Meeting (DMM) in Darwin, Australia this week.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that the meeting between DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles MP is aimed at enhancing Indo-Pacific convergence. This significant meeting also marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia.

The DND highlighted that the 3rd DMM underscores a deepening Strategic Partnership between the two countries. This partnership is realized through enhanced joint bilateral and multilateral military exercises with like-minded partners, increased maritime cooperation activities, infrastructure development, and strengthened people-to-people ties.

The meeting is scheduled to coincide with Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force. This will provide an opportunity for the defense chiefs to observe the involvement of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in the multilateral flying exercise. Notably, this year marks the second participation of the PAF in the exercise.

Earlier, the PAF announced its deployment of four FA-50PH fighter aircraft and over 160 personnel to participate in the drills, which are scheduled from July 17 to August 7.