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/
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.
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/
