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Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have partnered with the Philippine Army in a joint defensive cyber activity held in Manila, reinforcing regional cyber resilience and deepening security cooperation between the two nations.
The bilateral activity brought together cyber warfare officers and specialists from the ADF’s Cyber Command and members of the Philippine Army’s Cyber and Network Enterprise Battalions. The teams focused on strengthening cyber defence capabilities, incident response protocols and safeguarding critical networks against emerging threats.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO CSC RAN, said the activity marked a significant milestone in Australia’s defence relationship with the Philippines.
“This is the first time ADF cyber domain forces have worked side by side with their Philippine counterparts in a defensive cyber activity. It boosts our collective ability to protect critical systems and maintain operational readiness in the face of an increasingly complex threat landscape,” VADM Jones said.
He noted that the 2024 National Defence Strategy highlighted the growing prevalence of grey zone operations in the Indo-Pacific, with cyber threats from both state and non-state actors multiplying rapidly.
“Partnering with nations like the Philippines to secure our shared cyber terrain contributes directly to regional security and strategic stability,” he added.
The exercise also underscores the commitment of both the Australian and Philippine governments to bolstering regional cyber security through practical cooperation and sustained engagement.
Lieutenant Brandon Fletcher of the Royal Australian Navy, who led the Australian contingent, said the engagement offered valuable opportunities to build enduring professional relationships.“Our ability to respond to complex cyber threats – whether operating side by side or remotely from our home countries – relies on trust, shared knowledge and strong operational foundations,” LEUT Fletcher said.
“This activity not only strengthens our technical skills but also reinforces our partnership with the Philippines. It’s a clear demonstration of how Australia collaborates with regional partners to tackle shared challenges in the cyber domain.”
The ADF confirmed that further joint cyber cooperation activities are planned, ensuring continued knowledge sharing and enhanced resilience against evolving digital threats in the Indo-Pacific.
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