CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) officially launched Exercise Amphibious and Land Operations (ALON) 2025 today in a ceremony held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This marks the beginning of the most extensive and complex iteration of the bilateral defense exercise since its inception in 2023.
The opening ceremony was attended by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr., Deputy Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines, Dr Moya Collett, and Deputy Chief of Joint Operations MGen Hugh McAslan.
Running from 15 to 29 August 2025, Exercise ALON 2025 brings together over 3,600 military personnel from the AFP and ADF, with additional participation from the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps’ Marine Rotation Force – Darwin. Training activities will take place across key locations in Palawan and Luzon, aiming to enhance interoperability, readiness, and regional security cooperation.
In his remarks, General Brawner highlighted the significance of the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia, emphasizing the strategic importance of the exercise.
“The ALON flag represents our unity of purpose—our readiness to sail and march together in defense of peace,” he said. “The patches now worn by our troops are a mark of belonging—to a team that crosses national borders, speaks the same language of duty, and shares the same mission.”
Exercise ALON continues to serve as a cornerstone of Philippines–Australia defense cooperation, demonstrating a shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Photo by PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP
