Maritime Matters

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Indo-Pacific Maritime Round-Up – 22 May 2025: Regional deployments and new capabilities In this episode of Maritime Matters Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) discuss the week that was in Maritime Matters, including: 🎙️ Episode snapshot Jen and Richard break down a busy fortnight across the Indo-Pacific: HMAS Sydney heads to North Korea sanctions duty and Indo-Pacific Endeavour gets a makeover. We also run the rule over new submarines for Singapore, front-line frigates for Japan and the Philippines. Stick around for a “Did You Know?” on Sydney’s Captain Cook Graving Dock. Regional developments ▪ HMAS Sydney joins Operation ARGOS ▪ Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 shifts to fly-in teams ▪ Mexican tall ship Cuauhtémoc bridge strike ▪ Houthis, Red Sea & Oman-brokered deal Capability corner ▪ Singapore orders two more Type-218SG subs ▪ Philippines commissions BRP Miguel Malvar corvette ▪ Japan’s 7th Mogami-class frigate Niyodo—first with Mk 41 VLS Did You Know? Captain Cook Graving Dock—Australia’s only dock big enough for every RAN class (opened 24 March 1945) 🔗 Jen & Richard's recent work: Richard Undersea cable control: The information dimension https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/undersea-cable-control-information-dimension ‘Deterrence’—an agreeable word that obscures strategic debate https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/deterrence-an-agreeable-word-that-obscures-strategic-debate/ Inhumane, treacherous or uselessly cruel? Debating underwater weapons, 1880–1939 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23337486.2025.2509450 Jen To strengthen defence, Canberra and London must turn good will into actual capability https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/post/to-strengthen-defence-canberra-and-london-must-turn-good-will-into-actual-capability The Echidna Needs to Swim: Cut Off by Sea: How to Defeat Australia Without Firing a Shot. https://chrisuhlmann.substack.com/p/the-echidna-needs-to-swim 🔗 Links & resources ADF release – HMAS Sydney joins Operation ARGOS (12 May 25) https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2025-05-12/hmas-sydney-deployed-sanctions-enforcement-against-north-korea ADF release – Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 announced (13 May 25) https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2025-05-13/indo-pacific-endeavour-embarks-new-phase Sea Power Centre-Australia, Soundings No. 16 (background on IPE) https://seapower.navy.gov.au/publications-and-research/indo-pacific-endeavour-reflections-and-proposals-australias-premier-naval-diplomacy-activity

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Maritime Strategy in Motion: AUKUS, Exercises, and Emerging Threats In this episode of Maritime Matters Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) discuss the week that was in Maritime Matters, including: 🌏 Regional Developments - ADV Reliant Deployment: - Defence release – Pacific Support Vessel deployment - Lombrum Naval Base Modernisation - Maritime Cooperative Activity – Philippines’ EEZ: - Sandy Cay - Indonesia–China Maritime Cooperation: ⚓ Capability Developments - North Korean Missile Destroyer – Choe Hyon - US Defence Reconciliation Bill - AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge - French One-Way USV Demonstration - Indonesia Eyes Underwater Surveillance Systems 🎧 Subscribe to Maritime Matters on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Links - 🔗 Our Recent Work Why AUKUS Remains the Right Strategy – The Conversation https://theconversation.com/why-aukus-remains-the-right-strategy-for-the-future-defence-of-australia-254985 What Australians Really Think About Defence – The Conversation https://theconversation.com/australians-still-dont-know-much-about-defence-but-they-think-it-needs-more-funding-226887 ABC Insiders: On Background – Defence Segment https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/insiders-on-background-defending-australia/105217624 🌏 Regional Developments ADV Reliant Deployment – Department of Defence https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2025-04-29/adv-reliant-bolsters-pacific-partners Lombrum Naval Base Modernisation – Department of Defence https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/programs-initiatives/pacific-engagement/lombrum-naval-base Maritime Cooperative Activity (Philippines EEZ) – Department of Defence https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2025-04-30/australia-philippines-and-united-states-conduct-maritime-cooperative-activity Indonesia–China Maritime Cooperation – ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/china-indonesia-agree-boost-maritime-security-cooperation-south-121003235 Prabowo’s China Overtures – Fulcrum https://fulcrum.sg/prabowos-overtures-to-china-and-ramifications-on-the-south-china-sea-dispute/

Maritime Matters Episode Title: New Zealand Navy Challenges, UK Carrier Deployment and AUKUS In this episode of Maritime Matters Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) discuss the week that was in Maritime Matters, including: HMNZS Manawanui Court of Inquiry Report New Zealand Defence Force Recapitalisation UK Carrier Strike Group Deployment HMAS Sydney Regional Presence Deployment Chinese UUVs Anduril Sensors and Torpedoes AUKUS Mine Warfare USVs Links: Lowy The Interpreter, ‘China’s “spy ship” that wasn’t off the coast of Australia’, https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/china-s-spy-ship-wasn-t-coast-australia RUSI Talking Strategy Podcast, ‘Episode 13: Modernising the Royal Navy: Admiral Lord Fisher RN’, https://www.rusi.org/podcasts/talking-strategy/episode-13-modernising-royal-navy-admiral-lord-fisher-rn HMNZS Manawanui Court of Inquiry - https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/navy/navy-news/final-court-of-inquiry-into-hmnzs-manawanui-grounding-and-sinking-in-samoa-released/ Saltwater Strategist – UK Carrier Strike Group 2021 - https://soundcloud.com/saltwater-strategists/2-the-uks-carrier-strike-group-deployment-to-the-indo-pacific-command-reflections

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Chinese Research Ship Near Australia & US Secretary of Defence Visits the Indo-Pacific In this episode of Maritime Matters Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) discuss the week that was in Maritime Matters, including: Chinese Marine Research Vessel South of Australia China's New Amphibious Barges US Secretary of Defence Visits the Indo-Pacific Maritime Cooperation in the South China Sea HMAS Sydney Regional Presence Deployment Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise in Australia Links: Stairway To Taiwan – The Chinese Amphibious Bridging System - Alex Luck https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/stairway-to-taiwan-the-chinese-amphibious-bridging-system/ China's naval activity off Australia: coercion or common practice? - National Security Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/chinas-naval-activity-off-australia-coercion-or-common/id1395131021?i=1000701008315 Sea Control 568: Jennifer Parker on an Australian Coast Guard https://cimsec.org/sea-control-568-jennifer-parker-on-an-australian-coast-guard/

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Houthis and the Red Sea, Collins LOTE and Hanwha/Austal In this episode of Maritime Matters Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) discuss the week that was in Maritime Matters, including: Houthis and the Red Sea Vietnam-Indonesia Maritime Boundary Settlement Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base Collins Class LOTE issues Hanwha purchase of Austal stock Harold Holt Naval Communications Station Australian defence and the nebulous “archipelago” - https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australian-defence-nebulous-archipelago

A Chinese naval task group recently completed a circumnavigation of Australia, raising alarms about maritime security. The discussion delves into the implications of their live fire exercises, which interrupted civilian air traffic. There’s a spotlight on Australia's naval capabilities and the urgent need for better defense funding. Additionally, perceptions of national security in the context of China's military maneuvers are explored, alongside a reassessment of the AUKUS alliance amidst evolving global dynamics.

Maritime Matters Episode Title: P8 Incident, Regional Presence Deployments & Directed Energy Weapons In this episode of Maritime Matters Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) discuss the week that was in Maritime Matters, including: • Unsafe Chinese conduct near Australian P8 aircraft • Chinese warships in the Coral Sea • HMAS Hobart in Indonesia • USS Harry S Truman Collison • US Navy Directed Energy Weapons • AUKUS Pillar 2 undersea warfare exercises • Did You Know: Ratcatcher and Regulators

Show Notes: Episode 23: AUKUS and Australian Shipbuilding In this first episode of 2025, Jennifer Parker (https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/) and Richard Dunley (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard...) reflect on key issues and trends that shaped the domain in the past week. The series, which launched in April, has become a platform for thoughtful discussions on maritime strategy, security, and capability. Episode Highlights: Welcome & Season 2 Kick-Off Quick recap of the Christmas/New Year period. What's been happening in te region? 1. AUKUS Under the Trump Administration: US Defense reaffirmation of the trilateral pact, comments by Senator Rubio supporting deeper technology and defence ties. 2. South China Sea Tensions: Philippines offering to withdraw the US missile system if China stops aggressive actions. Possible second legal case against Beijing for environmental damage. 3. Sri Lanka & CMF: Sri Lankan Navy takes command of a multinational maritime training task force (CTF 154). 4. Exercise La Pérouse 25: French Carrier Strike Group (led by FS Charles de Gaulle) engaging multiple regional navies, including Australia’s HMAS Hobart. What's going on with capability? 5. Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan: Vision for constructing/upgrading 79 vessels over 30 years, aiming for a more lethal, capable Royal Australian Navy. 6. Arafura Class OPVs: First vessel, NUSHIP Arafura, delivered for testing. Program challenges and shifts in patrol capabilities. 7. SEA 3000/General Purpose Frigate: Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate vs. MEKO 200 options. Japanese Defence officials offering priority delivery to Australia. Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and subscribe for more maritime insights and stay tuned for the next episode.

In this insightful discussion, Jennifer Parker, an author and former Navy officer, advocates for creating a dedicated Australian Coastguard to bolster maritime security. Bec Strating, an expert in international relations, highlights the need to reassess Australia's maritime strategy amidst evolving global threats. Retired Rear Admiral Lee Goddard emphasizes the importance of collaborative maritime defense. Together, they delve into asylum management, regional cooperation in the Pacific, and strategies to build political support for this vital initiative.

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!