Ukraine offers combat-tested drone technology to the Philippines in new defense cooperation agreement.

According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer published on September 8, 2025, the Philippines and Ukraine are negotiating a defense cooperation agreement that could reshape Manila’s approach to maritime security. Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv confirmed that Kyiv’s Ministry of Defence submitted a draft pact earlier this year, and discussions are progressing with the Philippine Department of National Defense. The agreement, expected to be finalized before the end of 2025, focuses on the transfer and co-production of drone technologies, an area where Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable battlefield innovation.
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Philippines and Ukraine are negotiating a defense pact that could bring Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drones into Philippine service, enhancing Manila’s asymmetric capabilities in the South China Sea (Picture source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine).

Ukraine’s expertise is embodied by its combat-proven unmanned surface vehicle, the Magura V5. This system has been instrumental in successful strikes against Russian naval assets, including the sinking of the patrol ship Sergei Kotov near Crimea and attacks on Buyan-M class missile corvettes. The Magura V5 is approximately 5.5 meters long with a beam of 1.5 meters, weighs under one tonne, and can carry a payload of up to 320 kilograms of explosives. It is powered to reach a cruising speed of 22 knots and a top speed of 42 knots, with a maximum operational range of 800 kilometers and endurance of around 60 hours. Equipped with GNSS, inertial navigation, encrypted communications, and multiple HD video channels, it can operate with a high level of autonomy even under electronic warfare conditions. With a cost estimated at around 273,000 US dollars per unit, it provides an affordable yet lethal option against much more expensive warships.

Beyond its destructive potential, the Magura V5 has demonstrated versatility. Its modular design allows adaptation for surveillance, patrol, or even anti-air missions as shown by Ukrainian reports of a modified unit downing a Russian helicopter. Deployed by Ukraine’s specialized Group 13 naval drone unit, these USVs have redefined naval combat by combining stealth, speed, and precision with low production costs. For the Philippines, acquiring such technology offers an opportunity to offset its lack of submarines and limited conventional naval assets with platforms that can saturate or disrupt enemy operations in contested waters.

The deployment of Ukrainian drones by the Philippine Navy would allow Manila to develop an asymmetric deterrence strategy in the South China Sea. The drones could be used to monitor maritime zones, conduct long-range surveillance, or carry out swarming attacks in scenarios where Philippine ships would otherwise be outmatched by larger adversaries. Their affordability means they can be fielded in greater numbers, forcing rival navies to expend significant resources on defense. Coupled with training and technology transfer, the partnership could also give the Philippines the capacity to integrate drone warfare into its broader modernization efforts.

The potential agreement marks a significant step for both nations. For Ukraine, it would represent its first formal defense partnership in Southeast Asia, expanding its industrial and strategic footprint beyond Europe. For the Philippines, it signals a deliberate diversification of suppliers, reducing reliance on the United States while strengthening ties with partners such as Israel, South Korea, India, and now Ukraine. This shift comes as tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea intensify, making the acquisition of asymmetric capabilities a priority for Manila. However, challenges remain: domestic industrial limitations, funding constraints, and the risk of political shifts could all affect the pace and scope of implementation.

The negotiations between the Philippines and Ukraine reflect the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. The potential transfer and co-production of drones like the Magura V5 could provide Manila with a cost-effective maritime deterrent while giving Kyiv a foothold in Southeast Asia. If finalized, the agreement would symbolize a convergence of interests: Ukraine exporting its combat-tested innovations and the Philippines acquiring the tools to assert its sovereignty in contested waters.