The Philippines, Australia, and Canada joined their ships and aircraft at Scarborough Shoal on August 27 for an air defense drill. The aim is to practice against potential aerial threats and strengthen military cooperation among the three countries.
Under Exercise Alon 2025, troops trained in various activities such as multi-domain warfighting, air defense exercise (ADEX), and photo exercise (PHOTOEX). The activity cost more than ₱216 million and was attended by more than 3,600 soldiers from the Philippines and Australia, including forces from Canada and the United States.
Participating ships included the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) of the Philippine Navy, HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) of Australia, and HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH332) of Canada. They sailed from El Nido, Palawan to the northern part of the West Philippine Sea.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the drill is proof of the Philippines' strong ties with countries that share the same goal of maintaining security and peace in the region.
This exercise was conducted a few weeks after the incident where Chinese ships collided while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the same area.
