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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG receives advanced drone training from Australia

PCG receives advanced drone training from Australia

Published Nov 29, 2025 02:15 pm
A Philippine Coast Guard Aviation Command (PCG AVCOM) officer participates in a practical demonstration of fixed-wing drone operations in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo: Australian Embassy in the Philippines)
A Philippine Coast Guard Aviation Command (PCG AVCOM) officer participates in a practical demonstration of fixed-wing drone operations in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo: Australian Embassy in the Philippines)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday, Nov. 29, that it has strengthened its aerial surveillance capabilities with a specialized drone training from the Australian government as part of ongoing efforts between the two countries to enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities.
Ten PCG officers from the Coast Guard Aviation Command completed advanced fixed-wing drone training in Melbourne from November 17 to 21 while 30 additional personnel underwent a five-day drone operator course in Laguna from November 24 to 28.
The programs covered daytime and nighttime operations, maintenance, and operator instruction.
The PCG said it enabled coast guard personnel to maximize the use of their newly acquired drones.
“This endeavour is instrumental in harnessing our full potential to strengthen our service and to contribute to global maritime security efforts. I extend my gratitude to the Australian Government for continuously supporting and assisting us in our modernization efforts and advancing our role as responsible protectors of the rules-based order at sea”, said Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant.
The training builds on an earlier delivery in April this year when P36 million worth of aerial drones and associated operator training were handed over by the Australian government to the PCG. It is part of a broader P110 million commitment by Canberra to provide uncrewed maritime technologies and further strengthen Manila's maritime security.
The drone training program is a key component of the Philippines-Australia civil maritime cooperation which includes vessel remediation, operational equipment, scholarships, marine protection, and Law of the Sea courses.
The collaboration is anchored in a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation that was signed during President Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Australia.

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PCG Australia maritime domain awareness drone training
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