Episode 22: Royal Australian Navy fires Tomahawk and a round up of the week in maritime security

Show Notes: Episode 22: Royal Australian Navy fires Tomahawk and a round up of the week in maritime security In this final episode of 2024, Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) wrap up the year in maritime affairs, reflecting on key issues and trends that shaped the domain. The series, which launched in April, has become a platform for thoughtful discussions on maritime strategy, security, and capability. Episode Highlights Topic 1: What’s Happening in the Region? 1. Scarborough Shoal Incident (Dec 4): o Escalating tensions in the South China Sea as Chinese Coast Guard vessels confront Philippine patrols. o Diplomatic protests from the Philippines signal a continued pushback against Beijing’s aggressive actions. o More details. 2. Russian Submarine in the South China Sea: o A Russian Kilo-class submarine, Ufa, transits near Philippine waters. o Read more. 3. US, Japan, and Philippine Joint Patrols: o Allied forces conduct coordinated patrols to assert freedom of navigation near Scarborough Shoal. 4. Taiwan Strait Tensions: o Increased Chinese naval and air force activity in response to political developments in Taiwan. Topic 2: Capability Updates • Tomahawk Milestone: o Australia successfully test-fires its first Tomahawk missile, signalling a leap in long-range strike capability. o Details. • Missile Manufacturing in Australia: o Construction begins on a new cruise missile plant in Newcastle, boosting domestic production capacity. • Land-Based Maritime Strike: o The Australian Army progresses plans for coastal defence capabilities, with HIMARS and NSM under consideration. Did You Know? • This week’s segment explores definitions of long-range strike. Links and Resources • Jen’s recent publications: o Time for an Australian Coastguard (https://navalinstitute.com.au/time-for-an-australian-coast-guard/) o Export Control Shifts: Unlocking the Potential of AUKUS Collaboration (https://www.ecag.com.au/ecagnavigatordec2024) o China's Push for Closer Defence Ties Is Unrealistic Without Behaviour Change (https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/no-ambassador-we-are-not-ready-to-get-tight-with-china-on-defence-20241121-p5ksl3) • Missile range classification: o https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/worldwide-ballistic-missile-inventories#:~:text=Medium%2Drange%20ballistic%20missiles%2C%20traveling,traveling%20more%20than%205%2C500%20kilometers. Join us in 2025 as we continue to explore the ever-changing world of maritime strategy and security!