Australia to Provide Philippines With Underwater Drones, UAV Systems: Embassy

Australia will provide the Philippine Coast Guard with underwater drones and counter-drone systems under a new P413-million, four-year assistance package announced by the Australian Embassy in Manila. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the support also includes long-range and heavy-lift UAVs, plus specialist training for Coast Guard drone operators. The embassy said the package aims to strengthen the service’s maritime surveillance and “domain awareness.” It also said earlier Australian drone assistance is already being used in Coast Guard missions, including maritime security and search-and-rescue.