PH, Australia conclude largest joint military exercise ALON 2025

Philippine and Australian forces successfully conducted "Exercise ALON 2025" in San Vicente, Palawan, simulating the recapture of territory.

The large-scale amphibious drill involved around 3,600 personnel from the Philippines and Australia, with 1,600 Australian soldiers deployed.

The exercise featured Philippine marines participating with two FA-50 fighter jets providing air support, while Australian forces, including the HMAS Brisbane warship and an EA-18G Growler aircraft, provided offshore support.

On August 27, the BRP Jose Rizal, HMAS Brisbane, and Canada's HMCS Ville de Quebec sailed from El Nido, Palawan, to hold drills east of Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) as part of the exercise.

These multilateral maritime drills included an Air Defense Exercise and a Photo Exercise within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. described the coordination between the two nations' forces as "very impressive" and noted the smooth execution.

This year's Exercise ALON is the biggest to date, demonstrating the capability of the Philippines and Australia to conduct coordinated naval gunfire support, amphibious assault, and maritime strike missions.