Episodes
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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/ -
Missing episodes?
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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 -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: Joint Sword 2024B, AUKUS and the Henderson Defence Precinct
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 Joint Sword 2024B
• AUKUS Updates
• Iran hosts IMEX 24
• Henderson Defence Precinct
• US Navy reloading VLS at sea -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: Sinking of HMNZS Manawanui and Red Sea Attacks
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:
• Sinking of HMNZS Manawanui Attacks in the Black Sea
• Exercise Malabar
• Houthi Attacks in Red Sea
• Tensions in the South China Sea
• Philippines USV unit
• Did you know – Five Power Defence Arrangement -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: 30 Sep Taiwan Strait Transits and PLA ICBM Launches
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:
• Taiwan Strait Transits and Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities
• Exercise Kakadu
• Rumours of a PLA-N submarine sinking
• US CNO Navigation Plan
https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Chief-of-Naval-Operations/CNO-NAVPLAN-2024/
• AUKUS Defence Minister update
https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2024-09-26/aukus-defence-ministers-meeting-communique
• USNS Bighorn grounding
• Hanwha takeover of AUSTAL finally put to bed -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: Exercise Kakadu and the Strategic Fleet
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 Kakadu
• Attacks in the Black Sea
• HMAS Sydney in Operation ARGOS
• US-China Military Talks
• JMSDF Aircraft Carriers
• The Strategic Fleet Tender
• NUSHIP Arafura trials
Links Mentioned:
• Army’s continual adaptation mindset https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/armys-continual-adaptation-mindset/news-story/308f27ac141cb05909b498192320ae51
• The Australian centenary history of defence: Vol 6 Australian defence : sources and statistics, ed. Joan Beaumont with Vijaya Joshi https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/757262 -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: Australia to take command of CTF 153 & incidents at Sabina Shoal
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:
- Australia to take Command of CTF 153, Combined Maritime Forces
- Tensions flare at Sabina Shoal: Philippines - China
- Australia to produce Naval Strike Missile
- AUKUS Submarine maintenance in Western Australia
- Did you know: The Combined Maritime Forces -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: HMAS Sydney SM6 Firing & Australia and Indonesia Defence Agreements
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:
- Chins PLAAF aircraft launches flares in the vicinity of a Philippines aircraft at Scarborough Shoal
- HMAS Sydney fires SM6 in Hawaii
- The AUKUS Treaty: A Major Milestone
- Investing in the Ghost Shark industrial base
- Delivering the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat -
Maritime Matters Episode Title: South China Sea, Indian Ocean and everywhere in between.
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:
• Indian Ocean Defence Symposium 2024.
• Philippines - China Second Thomas Shoal agreement.
• China's research ships in the Indian Ocean.
• Should Australia do more in the Red Sea?
• Army landing craft capability acceleration.
• RIMPAC SINKEX
& much more. - Show more
