The Philippines and Australia have commenced their largest-ever joint military exercises, Exercise Alon 25, running from August 15 to 29, 2025. Taking place across the islands of Palawan and Luzon, the drills overlook the South China Sea, a region fraught with territorial disputes and rising tensions.

The joint operation highlights the deepening defense partnership between Manila and Canberra, signaling stronger regional security cooperation amid China’s expanding maritime claims.

Exercise Alon 25
 Exercise Alon 25


Key Features of Exercise Alon 25

Scale of Participation: Over 3,600 personnel from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are directly involved.

Military Operations: The drills feature live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, maritime maneuvers, and joint force projection with armored, engineering, health, and artillery units.

Air and Naval Power: Australia deployed its Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane alongside F/A-18 Super Hornets, Growlers, and Hercules aircraft.

International Involvement: Forces from Canada and the U.S. Marine Corps are active participants. Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia are present as observers.

Focus: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, boost joint operational readiness, and prepare for shared security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.


Strategic and Regional Significance

  1. Countering China’s Assertiveness:
    The South China Sea remains a flashpoint, with China asserting vast territorial claims rejected by the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. Exercise Alon 25 underscores resistance to unilateral actions that undermine international law.

  2. Strengthening Defense Partnerships:
    Philippine military officials describe this as their most complex exercise to date, reflecting Manila’s effort to strengthen ties with allies like Australia and the U.S. for deterrence and defense capability.

  3. Commitment to Freedom of Navigation:
    The drills send a strong signal in support of maritime sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and regional stability in one of the world’s most critical sea lanes.


Broader Implications

For the Philippines: Enhanced military training boosts national defense and strengthens deterrence against maritime threats.

For Australia: The exercise demonstrates Canberra’s expanding security role in Southeast Asia as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy.

For the Region: The growing network of partnerships—spanning allies like the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea—highlights a collective commitment to balance power in the South China Sea.


FAQ's

Q1: What is Exercise Alon 25?
A1: Exercise Alon 25 is the largest joint military drill between the Philippines and Australia, focusing on live-fire drills, amphibious landings, and maritime operations.

Q2: Why is it significant?
A2: The drills demonstrate regional defense cooperation amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, sending a clear deterrence signal to China.

Q3: Which countries are involved?
A3: Australia and the Philippines lead the exercises, with participation from the U.S. and Canada, and observers from Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

Q4: Why are the drills held in Palawan and Luzon?
A4: These locations overlook the South China Sea, making them strategically important for maritime security operations.

Q5: How does this impact the Indo-Pacific region?
A5: The drills strengthen allied military cooperation, enhance readiness, and reinforce international norms like freedom of navigation.