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Philippines taps ‘smarter, cheaper’ Australian drones to deter China

Philippines taps ‘smarter, cheaper’ Australian drones to deter China
South China Morning Post Friday 19 June 2026, 10:00 UTC By Jeoffrey Maitem 1 min read
Key Points

Australia has supplied the Philippine coastguard with a new batch of aerial and underwater drones that could significantly enhance Manila’s capability to monitor activities in the disputed South China Sea. The systems would help the coastguard gather evidence and enhance deterrence across the contested waters, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, where Manila has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, according to analysts. Based on images released by...

Australia has supplied the Philippine coastguard with a new batch of aerial and underwater drones that could significantly enhance Manila’s capability to monitor activities in the disputed South China Sea. The systems would help the coastguard gather evidence and enhance deterrence across the contested waters, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, where Manila has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, according to analysts. Based on images released by the... [Image text:] Australian Government SIGNING CEREMONY NATION ARR STRALAN MARITIN PORT
Philippines (LOCATION) Australian (ORG) China (LOCATION) Australia (LOCATION) Philippine (ORG) Manila (LOCATION) South China Sea (LOCATION) Chinese (ORG)
Originally published by South China Morning Post Read original →

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