Donated Aussie drones to boost Coast Guard capabilities

The Philippines is boosting its air patrol over the West Philippine Sea with the help of 20 drones or unmanned aerial system (UAS) worth P34 million donated by Australia.

- By EVELYN MACAIRAN and MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), formally received the drones yesterday from Australian Ambassador HK Yu during a handover ceremony held in Mariveles, Bataan.

Turned over to the PCG were 15 short-range UAS, four medium-range UAS and one long-range unit.

"Drone specialists from Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Office of the Chief Remote Pilot traveled to the Philippines this week to deliver four days of training for 30 members of the PCG Aviation Command Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Squadron," the PCG said.