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Australia

Australia and Philippines sign broader defence-cooperation arrangement in Manila

2026-11-15

Illustrative B-1 aircraft over the United Kingdom, not an Australian-Philippine operation.

Australia and the Philippines signed a new Defence Cooperation Arrangement in Manila on 15 November, giving their forces a broader framework for practical cooperation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing after visiting HMAS Stalwart. The official announcement describes an arrangement expanding an existing memorandum, not a newly announced automatic mutual-defence guarantee.

Priority areas include maritime awareness and activities, information-sharing, strategic dialogue, planning, training, interoperability and defence infrastructure. The announcement comes in the 80th year of diplomatic relations and builds on the strategic partnership established in 2023. These are areas for cooperation rather than a published list of immediate deployments.

Canberra also committed to further investment in Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships. Regional support is intended to include aerial and surface drones, secure communications and operator training, strengthening maritime awareness and cyber resilience. The government says the purpose is to improve detection and response along heavily used trade corridors. The statement does not specify a new dollar total, so none is assigned here.

The Philippines has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. Australia has participated in 12 joint patrols over three years, including four in the past year, and plans further amphibious training through Exercise Alon. In August Australia contributed HMAS Supply, an MH-60R Seahawk and a P-8A surveillance aircraft to a joint maritime activity.

Albanese said the cooperation supported sovereignty and was not directed at a single country. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasised joint capability and infrastructure; Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed countries' freedom to make their own choices under international law. The signing precedes further ASEAN, East Asia and Quad meetings in Manila and Albanese's later travel to APEC in China.

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