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

The Philippines is turning to Australian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of a strategy to bolster its maritime surveillance capabilities and deter Chinese activities in the South China Sea. Manila has prioritized the acquisition of "smarter and cheaper" drone technology to enhance its monitoring of contested waters, according to security analysts and regional officials.

The move comes as the Philippines seeks to modernize its military hardware while balancing budgetary constraints. By integrating Australian-developed systems, the Philippine Armed Forces aim to extend their operational reach and improve situational awareness across the archipelago’s exclusive economic zone. These drones are expected to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, enabling more effective responses to territorial incursions.