Episode 36: Catching up: AUKUS, The South China Sea and More

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Catching up: AUKUS, The South China Sea and More In this episode of Maritime Matters, Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard-dunley) discuss the week that was in maritime security across the Indo-Pacific and beyond — recorded Wednesday, 29 October 2025. Each episode, they unpack the key developments shaping maritime strategy, capability, and regional security — so let’s dive in. 1. What We’ve Been Up To Jen shares recent media and research highlights, including her DW feature on chokepoints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq5s7-o2LuI Her recent article on China’s dangerous aerial interceptions: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/in-chinas-dangerous-interceptions-see-the-breakdown-of-peaceful-world-order/ She also previews the launch of the new UNSW Canberra Naval Studies Group publication 'A Maritime Strategy for Australia 2035' Richard talks about his recent visit to Vietnam. 2. Regional Developments US Navy Incidents: Two US aircraft — an MH-60R Seahawk and an F/A-18F Super Hornet — crashed during operations in the South China Sea. All crew were rescued, with investigations underway. Australian P-8A Incident: On 19 October, a PLAAF Su-35 fighter twice released flares dangerously close to a RAAF P-8A Poseidon in the South China Sea USS Gerald R. Ford Deployment: Young Endeavour’s Final Circumnavigation of Australia https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2025-10-22/young-endeavours-last-lap-inspires-new-generation 3. Capability Developments AUKUS Progress: Former US President Trump reaffirmed support for Australia’s nuclear submarine program, saying it will proceed “full steam ahead.” RAAF Expansion: No. 12 Squadron RAAF re-established at Edinburgh to operate a second squadron of P-8A Poseidons. https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2025-10-17/second-p-8a-poseidon-squadron-established-support-growing-aircraft-fleet Singapore’s Multi-Role Combat Vessel: StrikeMaster Success UK Atlantic Net / Atlantic Bastion: 5. Did You Know? 🇦🇺 No. 12 Squadron RAAF — “We Roam and We Charge” - Formed in 1939, No. 12 Squadron became the first RAAF unit permanently based in the Northern Territory. - Flew Vultee Vengeance and B-24 Liberator missions across the Timor and Arafura Seas during WWII. - Re-formed in 1973 with CH-47C Chinooks, which arrived aboard HMAS Melbourne after Vietnam service. - Disbanded in 1989, re-raised in 2025 at RAAF Edinburgh with P-8A Poseidons. - Motto: “We Roam and We Charge” — badge features a charging bull symbolising strength and determination. Links Mentioned DW: Chokepoints — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq5s7-o2LuI ASPI Strategist: China’s Dangerous Interceptions — https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/in-chinas-dangerous-interceptions-see-the-breakdown-of-peaceful-world-order/