Maritime Matters

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/

In this engaging discussion, the hosts dive into Exercise Alon, the largest operation by the ADF this year, showcasing joint efforts with allies in the South China Sea. They analyze the rising tensions highlighted by China's military parade and explore the unique capabilities of the Hunter and Mogami-class vessels. The conversations also touch on the Norwegian Type 26 acquisition, regional defense dynamics, and intricate maritime laws in relation to blockades. Finally, they reflect on the operational challenges faced by the Royal Australian Navy as they adapt for the future.

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Australia selects a new future frigate! 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: Mogami-class frigates — selected as Australia’s new general purpose frigates HMAS Brisbane — third ADF Regional Presence Deployment (2025) HMAS Adelaide III — port visit to Hobart, Tasmania WA Westport project — potential risks to AUKUS submarine operations at HMAS Stirling Scarborough Shoal collision — Chinese Coast Guard vessel and Chinese Navy warship incident during chase of a Philippine Coast Guard ship China Coast Guard in Luzon Strait — unusual east-side patrols near Batanes Islands, Philippines China–Russia naval cooperation Austal strategic shipbuilding agreement — securing continuous pipeline of shipbuilding work in WA Deployable 3D printing capability (DAMR) — operational debut during Talisman Sabre 2025 Logistics drones (Callisto 50) — trialled for uncrewed supply missions, freeing up helicopters Links mentioned: Lowy Institute 'How to Defence Australia' Debate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaRQr-sY2Ak&t=1s Australia’s new frigate deal with Japan plugs a few critical holes, but doesn’t come without risks - Jennifer Parker https://theconversation.com/australias-new-frigate-deal-with-japan-plugs-a-few-critical-holes-but-doesnt-come-without-risks-262612

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Talisman Sabre & the Geelong Treaty 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: Exercise Talisman Sabre Operation Nasse The Geelong Treaty and wider AUKUS Questions Indonesian naval procurement Maritime Big Play HMAS Parramatta upgrade Links mentioned: Aukus is our path to defence self-reliance - https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/post/aukus-is-our-path-to-defence-self-reliance CNO Testimony - https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/to-consider-the-nomination-of-admiral-daryl-l-caudle-usn-for-reappointment-to-the-grade-of-admiral-and_to-be-chief-of-naval-operations

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Talisman Sabre, RAN LHDs and Ekranoplans 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: - Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - The latest from the Red Sea - Japan's transfer of Destroyer Escorts to the Philippines - China's new Ekranoplan - The latest on the AUKUS discussion in Australia - The Australian National Audit Office's report into Australia's Landing Helicopter Dock vessels Links: - AUKUS: Building confidence in Australia’s submarine pathway - J Parker https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/aukus-building-confidence-australia-s-submarine-pathway - J Parker interview on AUKUS on RN Breakfast 11 July https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/could-the-us-demand-australia-pays-more-under-the-aukus-pact-/105518944 - Department of Defence’s Sustainment of Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships (Landing Helicopter Dock) https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/department-of-defence-sustainment-of-canberra-class-amphibious-assault-ships-landing-helicopter-dock

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Iran, Chinese Carrier Deployments & AUKUS Review 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: Iran and the conflict in the Middle East Chinese carrier deployments Taiwan and the South China Sea The US AUKUS Review The Commissioning of HMAS Arafura

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/