Canada and the Philippines strengthen defence partnership with new arrangement
Press Release + Noah Note
June 11, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, met with His Excellency Gilberto Teodoro, Philippine Secretary of National Defense, to strengthen bilateral defence relations and advance cooperation with one of Canada’s most important defence partners in the Indo-Pacific.
During the meeting, the Minister and the Secretary marked two significant milestones in the Canada–Philippines defence relationship: the signing of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement, and the signing of a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation.
Prior to their discussions, the Minister and the Secretary signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to facilitate the exchange of logistical support during combined exercises, training, deployments, and operations. This arrangement will increase operational readiness and interoperability and help both forces to work together more effectively.
Building on the Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed in 2024 and the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement signed in 2025, Canada and the Philippines have also signed a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation to guide the next phase of their growing defence partnership. The Statement of Intent reflects a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and provides a roadmap to expand cooperation between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defense of the Philippines and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In their discussions, the Ministers explored additional opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as maritime security, joint military exercises, and the defence industry. They also exchanged views on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain and promote the rule of law in the region.
As a Pacific nation, Canada’s security and prosperity are closely linked to the stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region. Canada is, and will continue to be, an active, engaged, and reliable partner in promoting regional peace and stability. In light of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea on July 12, Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Quotes
“It was a pleasure to meet once again with my Philippine counterpart to advance our growing defence partnership. With the signing of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and the Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation, Canada and the Philippines are taking important steps toward closer defence cooperation. These initiatives will strengthen interoperability between our armed forces, facilitate greater collaboration, and reinforce our shared commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Canada also signalled its interest in deepening defence ties through the signing of a Statement of Intent on defence cooperation. Canada values the Philippines’ vital role in Southeast Asia, and we remain committed to expanding this partnership in support of regional security, stability, and shared prosperity.”
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
In January 2024, the Department of National Defence and the Philippine Department of National Defense signed a Defence Cooperation Arrangement, enabling cooperation in military education, training, capacity building, UN peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Through Operation HORIZON, the Canadian Armed Forces regularly engages with regional partners, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and uphold respect for international law.
This cooperation is demonstrated through Canada’s participation in key regional exercises, including Exercise SAMA-SAMA, Exercise TEMPEST EXPRESS and Exercise BALIKATAN, where Canadian Armed Forces personnel train alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other partners.
In May 2026, the Canadian Armed Forces completed its inaugural active participation in Exercise BALIKATAN, an annual military exercise in the Philippines.
The Philippines has been a member of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program since 1998, with over 400 military and defence personnel trained through the program.
Canada also cooperates with the Philippines as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Strategic Partner and through the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Philippines has signalled its support for Canada’s increased engagement with ASEAN and its related bodies.
Noah Note: I have always been a major supporter of strengthening our relationship with Indo-Pacific partners, including supporting their efforts to exercise sovereignty against an encroaching China. Canada is already collaborating extensively, such as providing maritime surveillance support through the Dark Vessel Detection Programme.
Maybe its because I grew up around a lot of Filipinos but I have a deep admiration for them, their hard-working attitude and loyalty. They are great people, ones firmly established in the Canadian culture.
So seeing these kinds of efforts, especially coming off recently signed agreements is always gonna put a smile on my face. The Indo-Pacific relationships cannot survive off of just our usual allies. It requires us to branch out to new partners, and in turn step up our efforts.
The RCN has stepped up activity in the Pacific, in line with Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.
These are good steps. They're ones im happy to see but as always I still expect to see more, and while good steps they also shouldn't be seen individually, or as isolated measures. These kinds of efforts need to be interlinked to each other, building off each other if we hope to establish ourselves as a player.