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/
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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/
Episode 22: Royal Australian Navy fires Tomahawk and a round up of the week in maritime security
Maritime Matters
39 minutes 47 seconds
11 months ago
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!
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/
