Maritime Matters

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Exercise Malabar & the South Korean SSN 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 Malabar & Ausindex US-Philippines Task Force US China Maritime Talks South Korean SSN Singaporean MCM USVs

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/

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Exercise Alon & a Mogami-Hunter Comparison 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 Alon China’s Military Parade US Marine Corps ASW Focus Hunter-Mogami Comparison Norwegian Type 26 Acquisition OPV Programme Links mentioned: If there’s a war in the Pacific, who defends Australia? - https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/post/if-there-s-a-war-in-the-pacific-who-defends-australia

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/

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

Maritime Matters Episode Title: PLA-N Task Group circumnavigates Australia 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: • PLA-N Task Group circumnavigates Australia • Australia's General Purpose Frigate program • AUKUS updates Links: Political fighting over Chinese warships misses the point: Australia’s navy is no match for China’s built-up force - Richard Dunley https://theconversation.com/political-fighting-over-chinese-warships-misses-the-point-australias-navy-is-no-match-for-chinas-built-up-force-251039 China’s expedition shows Australia must become a naval power - Jennifer Parker https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/china-s-expedition-shows-australia-must-become-a-naval-power-20250222-p5le9k If we panic about these Chinese ships, Xi wins the propaganda war - Jennifer Parker https://www.smh.com.au/national/if-we-panic-about-these-chinese-ships-xi-wins-the-propaganda-war-20250227-p5lfnp.html Explainer: Chinese Task Group's live firing on the High Seas - Jennifer Parker https://www.jennifer-parker.com.au/post/explainer-chinese-task-group-s-live-firing-on-the-high-seas?referral=business-feed

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.

Launch of 'Time for a Coastguard' Panel Discussion This panel discussion, chaired by Andrew Tillett (Australian Financial Review), explores Jennifer Parker's new paper, 'Time for a Coastguard', published by the Australian Naval Institute. The paper argues for a dedicated Australian coastguard to address maritime security, law enforcement, and regional challenges. 🎙️ Panelists: Jennifer Parker – Author of 'Time for a Coastguard' Professor Bec Strating – Director, La Trobe Asia RADM (Retd) Lee Goddard – Former Commander, Australia’s Maritime Border Command 📚 Read the publication here: https://navalinstitute.com.au/time-for-an-australian-coast-guard/

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!

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Baltic Cable Incident & Uncrewed Capabilities in 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: • Australian Coastguard • Baltic submarine cable incidents • Uncrewed vessels in the Indo-Pacific • Task Force-Ayungin and US support for the Philippines • Royal Navy cuts • SEA3000 Down-select and Army Landing Craft Heavy • Did You Know: Subsea cables Time for an Australian Coast Guard - https://navalinstitute.com.au/time-for-an-australian-coast-guard/

Maritime Matters Episode Title: From the Red Sea, to the South China Sea & of course, SEA 3000 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: • Houthi attack on US Navy ships • Recent developments in the South China Sea • SEA 3000 • Decommissioning of HMAS Gascoyne • 110th anniversary of the Sydney - Emden battle

Maritime Matters Episode Title: Exercise Autonomous Warrior & Natuna Sea 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: • PLAN Carrier Exercises • Exercise Autonomous Warrior • Chinese Coastguard in Natuna Sea • Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept • Fire at BAE Systems Shipyard • Orca & Evolved Cape Class • Did you know – Tange Reforms