Collaboration of ADF with Philippine Army in Defensive Cyber Operations
In a significant move to enhance regional security and stability, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Philippine Army recently participated in a combined defensive cyber activity in Manila, Philippines.
The activity, the first of its kind, saw ADF cyber domain forces working side-by-side with their Philippine counterparts. The purpose of the activity was to strengthen cyber defense, incident response, and network protection.
Lieutenant Brandon Fletcher, Royal Australian Navy, stated that the activity allowed for the building of people-to-people links with their counterparts in the Philippine Army. He further emphasised that operational trust, shared knowledge, and strong operational foundations are crucial for the ADF to overcome complex cyber threats.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO CSC RAN, highlighted that the activity strengthened Australia and the Philippines' strategic relationship across the cyber domain. He also mentioned that the activity built on the enduring relationships of land, air, and maritime domains.
The collaboration between the forces is expected to continue, delivering tangible outcomes and knowledge-sharing for cyber capabilities. Vice Admiral Jones stated that the activity served as a practical example of how Australia works alongside regional partners to meet shared challenges in the cyber domain.
The activity comes at a time when threats posed by state and non-state actors in the cyber domain are multiplying, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. The 2024 National Defence Strategy outlines that grey-zone activities have expanded in the Indo-Pacific.
The Australian Defence Force's activity in Manila further deepens the partnership between Australia and the Philippines in the cyber domain. The image provided shows Australian Cyber Warfare Officers and Specialists from the ADF's Cyber Command, and members from the Philippines Army Cyber and Network Enterprise Battalions during the Defence Cyber Activity in Manilla.
The activity marks a continuation of the first defensive cyber activity where ADF cyber domain forces collaborated side-by-side with the Philippines, as previously mentioned. Working with key partners, such as the Philippine Army, to protect our collective cyber terrain enhances regional security and stability.
It is important to note that there is no available information specifying who took command of the Australian contingent leadership during the defensive cyber activity in Manila in 2025 in the provided sources.
The collaboration between the ADF and the Philippine Army during the activity serves as a practical example of how Australia works alongside regional partners to meet shared challenges in the cyber domain. The activity is a tangible example of how Australia and the Philippines are advancing cybersecurity and cyber cooperation, as stated by the shared commitment of the governments.
