The Philippines is close to finalizing a defense deal with France that would allow their troops to train and hold joint military exercises in each other’s countries.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. confirmed during a Senate budget hearing in early October that talks for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) are in their final stages, according to Naval News.
The SOVFA, first negotiated in Paris in June 2025, will set the legal and logistical framework for how French and Filipino forces operate while on each other’s territory.
It covers key aspects such as the handling of equipment, training arrangements, and jurisdiction, during military drills and humanitarian assistance operations.
“We are now on the final round of negotiations. Hopefully, their government can act on it, given the developments in France,” Teodoro said, referring to the political uncertainty sparked by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s resignation only 26 days into his term.
Deepening Partnership
France has been strengthening defense ties with the Philippines as part of its broader effort to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
In 2023, then-defense chief Lecornu visited Manila, where both sides agreed to strengthen defense ties and pursue a visiting forces deal.
Lecornu, who played a key role in advancing the SOVFA talks, also signed a letter of intent to deepen defense cooperation.
Since then, French forces have joined several combat drills in the Philippines, including Balikatan 2024 and Exercise Sama Sama, while the French frigates Vendémiaire and Prairial have made port calls in the country.
Last February, a French aircraft carrier strike group visited the Philippines as part of Mission CLEMENCEAU 25.
France further demonstrated its growing commitment to the region by assigning a permanent defense attaché to Manila in June 2024.
“I’m confident that France’s foreign policy will stay on track,” Teodoro commented on the political status in Paris.
