Australia and Philippines launch largest joint military drills in South China Sea

Asia-Pacific, News August 18, 2025 , by IRIA Comments Off

8 minute read

Australia and the Philippines launched their largest joint military exercises, involving more than 3,600 troops in live-fire drills, air operations, and a beach assault in Palawan, a province facing the disputed South China Sea. The Exercise Alon, meaning “wave” in Filipino, will run until August 29.

Australian forces have deployed a guided-missile destroyer, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, Javelin anti-tank weapons, and sniper systems. The Philippine military will contribute land, sea, and air forces, while defense observers from the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia are attending.

“This is more than just a military exercise,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said at the opening ceremony in Puerto Princesa City. “It is a statement to the world that partnerships forged in trust and tested in action are the surest defense of peace.”

The Exercise Alon is one of Australia’s largest overseas training activities, conducted bilaterally with the Philippines and supported by observers and participants from across the Indo-Pacific. First launched in 2023 under Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour program, the exercise has grown into a showcase of high-end amphibious warfighting capabilities.

According to the Australian Defence Ministry, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defence Force will conduct training at locations around the islands of Palawan and Luzon from August 15 to 29.

Exercise Alon 2025 with the @TeamAFP has begun 🇦🇺 🌊 🇵🇭

Alon – Tagalog for ‘Wave’ – is the Australian Defence Force’s biggest overseas training activity for 2025, and we’re proud to show the strength of Australia’s security relationship with the Philippines.
#YourADF… pic.twitter.com/RBuxignHac
— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) August 15, 2025

Beyond its military value, Exercise Alon also underscores the strength of the Australia-Philippines strategic partnership and their shared commitment to protecting sovereignty, upholding international law, and promoting freedom in the region, the Australian Defence Ministry statement read.

Exercise Alon 2025

The 2025 edition of Exercise Alon 25 brings together more than 3,600 military personnel. Australia has deployed around 1,600 members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has committed about 1,525 personnel.

Other partner nations, including the United States and Canada, have added approximately 530 troops and several naval and air assets. Together, the exercise represents one of the largest combined force deployments in the Indo-Pacific this year.

Exercise Alon 25 features a broad spectrum of activities. Special operations units from the AFP and ADF are conducting joint integration and training missions, while additional cooperation covers cyber defense, civil-military engagement, and religious and public affairs support.

Large-scale drills include the mass airlift of Australian battle groups, amphibious landings, and maritime maneuvers. Live-fire exercises are being carried out at both land ranges and maritime zones, coordinated through official safety notices and civil engagement channels to ensure transparency and security.

At sea, the Australian Navy’s Hobart-class guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane with MH-60R Seahawk helicopter is deployed, while the Philippines has deployed its Jose Rizal Class guided missile frigate. In addition, the Royal Canadian Navy’s frigate HMCS Ville de Québec with its Cyclone helicopter and 180 personnel are also participating in the exercise.

Australian Navy's HMAS Toowoomba — *^{The Royal Australian Navy’s frigate is conducting maritime operations with the Philippine armed forces. (Image Credit: Australian Navy)}*

On land, an Australian Army battle group, based on 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, is taking part in the exercise with the infantry battalion of approximately 390 personnel. It includes infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineering, medical, and support units.

The Australian Army’s light armoured vehicles, an artillery battery with 2 M777 155-millimetre howitzers, motorized company in protected mobility vehicles will take part in the drills.The Philippine Army is represented by its 7th Infantry Division and Armored Division, supported by engineers, signals, special operations teams, and medical detachments.

In the air domain, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is contributing a range of advanced platforms, including F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. The drills will also be supported by a P-8A Poseidon operating in the Philippines, while Australian KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and C-17A Globemaster III aircraft are providing strategic airlift and aerial refueling to facilitate personnel, aircraft, and equipment movements between Australia and the Philippines.

On the Philippine side, the Air Force is deploying FA-50PH Fighting Eagle jets, A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, ground-based radar systems, and a variety of helicopters, including the S-70i Blackhawk, T-129 ATAK, and AW109, ensuring comprehensive joint air operations throughout the exercise.

The U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Rotation Force – Darwin task group is also supporting the exercise with participation of approximately 350 militart personnel and an MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

Australia and Philippines Exercise Alon — *^{Philippine and Australian soldiers march in formation during Exercise Alon 2023. (Image Credit: AFP/via X)}*

Australia’s Largest Deployment in Two Decades

Australian Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan said the deployment of 1,200 Australian troops for Exercise Alon represents one of the country’s most significant military commitments in the Indo-Pacific in nearly 20 years.

“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,” McAslan said.

Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Justin Jones emphasized the strategic intent behind the operation. “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,” he said.

Regional security context

The drills come amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea. On Monday, a Chinese navy ship collided with a Chinese coast guard vessel while both attempted to drive away a smaller Philippine coast guard ship near Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing claims. Manila said the smaller vessel was delivering aid to Filipino fishermen.

The Australian Embassy in Manila expressed concern, calling the incident “dangerous and unprofessional” and stressing the need for restraint and respect for international law.

Australian Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during Australia-Philippines Exercise Alon — ^{An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment during an amphibious assault exercise on Exercise Alon as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 in the Philippines on August 25, 2023. (Image Credit: Australian Ministry of Defence)}

In response to recent confrontations, the United States deployed two warships to the area on Wednesday, describing the move as part of a freedom of navigation operation to challenge China’s expansive claims.

China’s Reaction

China has long criticized multinational drills near the South China Sea, accusing the United States and its allies of “ganging up” to contain it. Beijing maintains sweeping claims over the resource-rich waters, overlapping with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its stance, saying such exercises “militarize the region and undermine peace.” The Philippines and its partners argue that the drills are defensive and aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and adherence to international law.

Expanding Philippine Alliances

The Philippines is pursuing wider defense partnerships as maritime clashes with China intensify. It is the only Southeast Asian country with a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with both the United States and Australia, permitting large-scale troop deployments and combat exercises on each other’s territory.

A new VFA with Japan is expected to take effect next month, while talks are ongoing with other countries, including France and Canada. Philippine officials say these agreements will broaden security cooperation and enhance deterrence against external threats.

“Exercise Alon is an opportunity for us to practice how we collaborate and respond to shared security challenges and project force over great distances in the Indo-Pacific,” Vice Adm. Jones said.

Past Incidents

Australia itself has faced recent run-ins with Chinese forces. In February, Australian defense officials reported that a Chinese J-16 fighter jet released flares that passed within 30 meters of an Australian P-8 surveillance aircraft in international airspace.

Such incidents highlight the risks of escalation in contested waters. Both Australia and the Philippines have warned that unsafe military conduct could undermine stability and lead to unintended clashes.

Exercise Alon reflects Manila’s deepening security ties with partners at a time when the South China Sea remains one of the world’s most volatile maritime flashpoints. For Australia, the drills demonstrate its growing military footprint in the region and its willingness to stand alongside allies facing pressure from Beijing.

As the exercises unfold through late August, regional observers will watch closely for any new confrontations at sea and for how China responds to an expanding network of Philippine security alliances.