Australia donates ₱34M worth of drones, training to PH Coast Guard

The Australian government donates P34 million worth of drones and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (Photo screengrab from PCG’s Facebook Live)

MANILA, Philippines — The Australian government has donated P34 million worth of drones and operator training to the Philippines, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

PCG said the turnover of 20 units of unmanned aerial system was held in Mariveles, Bataan on Tuesday morning.

“The equipment was provided as part of Australia’s civil maritime cooperation which also includes vessel remediation, postgraduate scholarships, operational training, marine protection, and annual Law of the Sea courses,” the agency disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

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“Drone specialists from Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Office of the Chief Remote Pilot traveled to the Philippines this week to deliver four days of training for 30 members of the PCG Aviation Command Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Squadron,” it added.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the donation would “greatly assist the agency to further advance its fundamental role as a responsible protector of rules to help keep the peace and prosperity for Filipino people and all law-abiding users of our seas to enjoy.”

Also present during the turnover ceremony was Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu.

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In 2024, Yu announced that Australia would double its civil maritime cooperation with the Philippines to P649 million, which covers the years 2025 to 2029.

Also in 2024, both countries strengthened their civil maritime cooperation through a memorandum of understanding on enhanced maritime cooperation.