The Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond has visited Manila as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group’s eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing defence ties with the Philippines and promoting opportunities for bilateral trade.
The visit underlines the UK’s strategic commitment to maintaining a consistent presence in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the priorities set out in this year’s Strategic Defence Review, which identified the region as central to UK national security and prosperity. The Government has committed to raising defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027 to support this policy.
Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker met Philippine officials and toured HMS Richmond in Manila. He confirmed that discussions will begin on a potential Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, approved by Defence Secretary John Healey MP. Such an agreement would represent a significant step forward in bilateral relations, opening the way for enhanced military cooperation, joint naval activity, and regular exercises.
The UK will again participate in Exercise SAMA SAMA later this year, contributing expertise to maritime capacity building. This forms part of a growing programme of regional defence engagement, which also involves around 4,000 UK military personnel across 30 partner nations during the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment.
Alongside government talks, the visit also provided a platform for UK industry. An industry day held on board HMS Richmond showcased advanced British defence innovation to Philippine counterparts, aimed at promoting collaboration and creating opportunities for UK suppliers in the Indo-Pacific defence market. The Government has positioned defence exports as a driver of growth and jobs, with overseas missions providing direct support for industry engagement.
The visit emphasised the indivisibility of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. Lord Coaker noted that strengthening cooperation with the Philippines would contribute to a stable and prosperous regional environment, while also opening avenues for UK businesses to expand their presence in a key market.
The Carrier Strike Group deployment highlights the UK’s dual ambition of enhancing international defence partnerships and supporting national industry. For suppliers, the growing defence relationship with the Philippines signals potential opportunities across capacity building, joint operations, and trade partnerships.
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