• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

PH, Singapore, Australia deepen defense ties at Shangri-La Dialogue

Philippine News Agency

May 31, 2025, 10:57 am

SINGAPORE -- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with his counterparts from Singapore and Australia on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue Friday, conveying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to reinforce defense ties.

Teodoro reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to bolstering strategic defense partnerships in the region through interoperability, joint training, and enhanced logistical cooperation.

In his meeting with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing, both sides underscored the importance of strengthening defense cooperation through increased training engagements.

Teodoro highlighted the Philippines' expansive training areas ideal for urban and airborne exercises and expressed interest in learning from Singapore's experience operating the C-130J aircraft, especially maintenance and cost-efficiency.

Chan welcomed the proposals and invited Philippine special forces to conduct trainings in Singapore. He also expressed interest in reciprocal opportunities for Singapore Armed Forces troops in the Philippines, as well as expanding collaboration in navigation flights; maintenance, repair and overhaul; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

In his meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles, Teodoro reiterated the same spirit of deepening bilateral cooperation. He noted the growing momentum in trilateral defense engagements with Australia and the United States.

Marles praised the evolving defense relationship and stressed the need to translate longstanding people-to-people connections into a strong strategic and defense partnership. He also welcomed sustained maritime cooperation.

Teodoro offered to host the second Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers' Meeting, back to back with the conduct of Exercise ALON between Philippine and Australian forces.

The bilateral engagements concluded with a shared commitment to promoting regional stability, strengthening defense cooperation, and exploring new avenues of collaboration in logistics, HADR, personnel exchanges and capability development. (PR)