Australia and the Philippines launched their largest joint military exercise on Friday to bolster their readiness and joint warfighting capabilities to respond to complex regional security challenges.
Exercise Alon will involve over 3,600 combined personnel, including participation from the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps’ Marine Rotation Force – Darwin, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who spoke during the opening ceremony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan—an island province facing the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely.
“This is more than just a military exercise,” Brawner said. “It is a statement to the world that partnerships forged in trust and tested in action are the surest defense of peace.”
Deputy Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines, Dr Moya Collett places the Exercise ALON 2025 patch to AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr during the opening ceremony on August 15. Photo by PFC Carmelotes PN(M).
Australian Defence Force Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan said the deployment of 1,200 Australian troops for this year’s Exercise Alon—the second iteration of the drills—represents one of Australia’s largest military deployments in the Indo-Pacific in nearly two decades.
“It signals Australia’s ability and willingness to project force, to strengthen our security, and reinforce the sovereignty and importance of key regional partners and partnerships,” he said during the same ceremony.
The drills, which will run from August 15 to 29, will include live-fire exercises, a beach assault, and a large-scale airlift operation. These exercises aim to “sharpen the base of joint training on land, sea, and air so that we can respond swiftly and effectively to any challenge,” Brawner said.
Philippine Marines exit an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Exercise Alon 23 aboard HMAS Canberra, Aug. 15, 2023. Exercise Alon, part of Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023, is a bilateral amphibious training activity between the Australian Defence Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, supported by MRF-D. The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ryan Hageali)
Australia will deploy an Australian Amphibious Force Joint Task Force Headquarters, the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane, an Army Combined Arms Land Task Group, and an Air Task Group comprising Super Hornets, Growlers, and Hercules aircraft.
“This exercise reflects Australia’s commitment to working with partners to ensure we maintain a region where state sovereignty is protected, international law is followed, and nations can make decisions free from coercion,” said Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Justin Jones in a statement.
The drills come in the wake of a recent confrontation in the South China Sea, involving a collision between Chinese navy and coast guard ships while pursuing a smaller Philippine coast guard vessel delivering aid to fishermen—raising fresh concerns over maritime conduct and rules.
Australia is the second nation, after the United States, to secure a Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines, allowing for large-scale troop deployments and joint combat exercises in each other’s territory.
A similar defense pact between the Philippines and Japan is set to take effect next month. Manila is actively negotiating similar agreements with other countries, including France and Canada, as it seeks to expand its network of security alliances.