Philippines & Australia : A New Defence Pact

Not long ago, the idea of Australian troops regularly training in the Philippines might have seemed far-fetched. Today, it’s becoming the new normal. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific — particularly with China flexing its military muscle in disputed waters — Manila and Canberra are quietly stepping up their partnership.

The two countries have announced they are getting ready to sign a new defence agreement that will involve reciprocal access to military bases.

The deal is expected to be finalised in 2026, firming up the defence cooperation agreement signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles earlier this year.

Part of the plan includes developing new military infrastructure across the Philippines — eight projects at five different locations, helping to boost the Manila's maritime reach and ability to look after its vast exclusive economic zone.

The security landscape in the region is changing fast. In just the last two years, the Philippines has signed similar deals with Japan, New Zealand, and Canada — and is currently in discussion with France and the United Kingdom.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Philippines Secretary of National Defencse Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr watch combined joint force exercises at San Vicente, Philippines during Exercise Alon 2025/ image ADF

This surge in defence partnerships reflects the key role the Philippines can play due to its location, and for Australia (and New Zealand ) a heavy dependence on open and free sea lanes means dependable partners are always appreciated .

Earlier this month the Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat joined the Philippines, the US, and New Zealand for a joint patrol inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The patrol happened days after a tense incident involving an Australian surveillance plane and a Chinese fighter jet — one that Canberra condemned as “unsafe and unprofessional.”

A recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) report echoed this urgency. It described the Philippines as Australia’s most important defence partner in Southeast Asia and called on both governments to “move quickly” to formalise cooperation. ASPI went on to suggest that Australia should be positioning some of its defence assets in the Philippines to improve military readiness.

Of course, deeper defence ties come with risks. Greater cooperation could draw Australia into a future U.S.-China conflict. But ASPI argues that staying on the sidelines could be even more dangerous., and that actively defending the broader regional order is an important strategic goal.

With China’s military expanding faster than any in the world, partnerships like the one announced between Manila and Canberra are becoming a new fact of life. Both nations may be preparing for an Indo-Pacific that’s more unpredictable — but also, more united.

Banner Image : HMAS Ballarat sails in company with HMNZS Aotearoa (left) and BRP Jose Rizal in the South China Sea during naval exercises between Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States./ image ADF

Asia Media Centre