On 15 November 2026, the Philippines and Australia signed a new defence cooperation agreement in Manila, which streamlines the conduct of joint military operations and expands cooperation between the armed forces of both countries. The agreement was concluded against the backdrop of territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea and increased military cooperation amongst states in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Philippines and Australia have signed a new defence agreement.
- The document simplifies the conduct of joint military operations.
- Australia is set to invest in drones and maritime surveillance.
- Countries are stepping up their defence cooperation against the backdrop of disputes with China.
What does the new defence agreement entail?
The document was signed by the Philippine Minister of Defence Gilberto Teodoro and the Australian Ambassador Mark Innes-Brown in the presence of the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanisi, who arrived in Manila to take part in the ASEAN Summit.
According to Teodoro, the agreement will significantly reduce the amount of red tape involved in organising joint military exercises. It will cover cooperation between naval, air and land forces, as well as the conduct of humanitarian and rescue operations.
The new agreement replaces the memorandum on defence cooperation signed between the two countries back in 1995.
Australia is set to strengthen the Philippines’ military capabilities
Anthony Albanese stated that the agreement provides for the expansion of intelligence-sharing, joint military training, the development of defence infrastructure and the enhancement of operational interoperability between the armed forces.
Canberra has also announced further investment in maritime surveillance systems, unmanned technologies, equipment and specialist training to detect maritime and cyber threats.
The standoff with China in the South China Sea
The Philippines are actively expanding their defence ties with international partners, whilst maintaining their military alliance with the United States. This is due, in particular, to China’s actions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Australia supports the 2016 international arbitration ruling, which found that there were no legal grounds for Beijing’s extensive maritime claims.
China refuses to recognise this decision and opposes the Philippines’ joint military exercises with its allies, accusing them of escalating tensions in the region.
