Good outline of some of the strategic maneuvering by regional and extra-regional powers in Bay of Bengal. www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-e...

The announcement of a shipbuilding plan by India designed for both commercial and strategic purposes and working alongside trusted partners. This is a smart move by India designed to increase strategic self-reliance over maritime transport and therefore trade.

A comprehensive new United States Studies Centre report outlining a number of principles to drive diplomatic, economic and security engagement over the next decade in the Indian Ocean by Peter Dean and Alice Nason. www.ussc.edu.au/an-australia...

I'm quoted in the @scmpnews.bsky.social: “The broader strategic logic of reinforcing allied undersea capability in the Indo-Pacific remains compelling enough to outweigh the Trump administration’s protectionist impulses”. www.scmp.com/week-asia/ec...

Plastic pellets and maritime security www.themorning.lk/articles/E3c...

Japan's NEC to maintain a fleet of specialised cable ships much like SubCom (US), ASN (France), and HMN Tech (China) already do. ts2.tech/en/japans-30...

These authors reflect on their war techno-thriller that imagined the future fight — and then watched much of it come true.

Australian defence industry trade mission to India from Oct 6-10 much along the lines of India's def industry delegation to Land Forces in 2024. Maritime security central to the partnership. India to have a bigger presence at the 2027 Talisman Sabre: anon ADF spox. news.abplive.com/india-at-204...

'US President Donald Trump's administration is on a mission to weaken China's global network of ports and bring more strategic terminals under Western control'. According to 3 sources familiar with the plan, but article does compile numerous WH efforts in this sector. www.reuters.com/world/china/...

Advocates for an Indian Ocean trilateral or a Quad including India, UK, France & increased UK-India collaboration on MDA in the IOR. www.rusi.org/explore-our-...

Slam poetry from the US Sec of War.

A new issue of Maritime affairs from the @bluesecprogram.bsky.social by @prakashg.bsky.social and Lucky Wuwung who argue that that regional blue economy aspirations are deeply intertwined with geopolitical realities.

'In an editorial marking the start of the trial the O Globo newspaper said 2 September would go down in history as the day Brazil finally broke its “humiliating tradition” of failing to prosecute coup-mongering presidents'. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...

'Hanwha said the ship is a symbol of the bilateral partnership and vowed to make additional investments to ramp up the shipyard's annual production capacity from the current 1.5 ships to 20 ships.' www.koreaherald.com/article/1056...

Japan to provide security aid to East Timor, making it the 8th recipient country (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Fiji, Mongolia) since 2023, as part of efforts to boost defense cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

'The Indian Navy is set to commission the latest state-of-the-art Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates, 'Udaygiri' and 'Himgiri', at Naval Base, Visakhapatnam, on August 26'. economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence...

“We have decided to strengthen our cooperation in defence and security. An action plan has been prepared for this. India will provide cooperation in training and equipment to improve Fiji’s maritime security,” Modi said after a meeting with Rabuka. www.deccanherald.com/india/india-...

'When mangroves vanish, symbols of identity dissolve, coastlines retreat, and the very reach of sovereignty begins to blur... If states wish to keep their heartlands intact, they must recognise that sovereignty today is rooted as much in mangrove forests.' www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

'That is why capacity-building – which includes training, establishing platforms, and analytic support – is a constructive approach to strengthening MDA cooperation efforts.' www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Interesting piece that connects India's maritime history to its future by the VC of JNU. Also, mentions 3 new maritime focused research centres. sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/the-...

'to foster national consciousness of the country’s maritime character Malacañang has launched a nationwide awareness campaign... [that] directs all gov agencies & local gov units (LGUs) & private stakeholders to promote the PH as a maritime & archipelagic nation.' www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/23/b...

'Sri Lanka’s strategic location and maritime heritage offer a foundation for economic renewal. With wise governance, sustainability, and balanced geopolitics, its ports could once again become vital gateways to regional prosperity and global trade.' theconversation.com/as-sri-lanka...

"A state-of-the-art British fighter jet that has been stuck at an Indian airport for more than five weeks is set to fly out on Tuesday. The F-35B is due to be "pulled back from the hangar today and the departure is scheduled for Tuesday", an airport spokesman told BBC." www.bbc.com/news/article...

Fantastic new @bluesecprogram.bsky.social Maritime Affairs issue by Muhamad Arif who utilises strategic culture to unpick how Indonesia formulates it maritime policies.

'Joint submarine rescue exercises with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, or Australia could build interoperability and enhance India’s standing as a dependable partner. INS Nistar could be positioned for multi-nation contingency roles, especially for smaller states,' www.wionews.com/india-news/i...

'It is thought that MSDF’s six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts will be sent to Philippines. Abukuma-class destroyers are 109m long & displace 2,000 tons. The ships which require a crew of about 120 are equipped with anti-submarine & anti-ship missiles.' japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/def...

'Flying missions over the northern Indian Ocean, Australian & Indian P-8 crews supported the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales' RAAF & IN P-8 crews provided MDA & ASW sorties for the carrier strike group. www.contactairlandandsea.com/2025/07/02/a...

Quad has launched 1st “Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission” to strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. “Two officers, including women officers from each country, have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton which is currently sailing to Guam.” www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/q...

'Babcock has confirmed it has begun long-lead work on the UK’s future SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, with new contracts secured during the past financial year for the first elements of the vessel’s weapon handling and launch systems.' ukdefencejournal.org.uk/work-begins-...

'Mazagon Dock, along with Colombo Dockyard and Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard, signed a tripartite agreement on Friday (June 27) under which MDL will acquire the Japanese company’s controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard.' www.wionews.com/india-news/i...

'Defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in China were unable to adopt a joint statement at the end of their talks due to a lack of consensus on referring to "terrorism", the Indian foreign ministry said on Thursday.' www.reuters.com/world/china/...

'Secretary Rubio will host FMs from Australia, India & Japan for the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting on July 1st in Washington. The Sec’s first diplo engagement was with the Quad & next week’s summit builds on momentum to advance a free, open & secure Indo-Pacific' www.state.gov/briefings/de...

While Australia & US have consistently acknowledged & supported Indonesia’s archipelagic status, differing interpretations of elements of those rights are a point of divergence. This article explores ways to minimise future frictions around FON rights through this critically located archipelago.

Coast Guard to receive drones from Australia Both countries to strengthen civil-maritime security cooperation www.thedailystar.net/news/banglad...

Why am I so unimpressed by these strikes? Israel and the US have failed to target significant elements of Iran's nuclear materials and production infrastructure. RISING LION and MIDNIGHT HAMMER are tactically brilliant, but may turn out to be strategic failures. 🧵 1/17

US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

Turkey’s ‘Asia Anew’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a growing strategic surprise for India theprint.in/opinion/turk...

'Anthony Albanese has officially confirmed that Australia will commence negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, as Australia firms up strategic support with allied countries in a precarious global environment.' www.news.com.au/national/pol...

'More than a maritime drill, the AFP said the MCA underscored the operationalization of the RAA – an accord that lays the groundwork for increased joint training as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response initiatives between the AFP and JSDF.' www.philstar.com/headlines/20...

'Australia could leverage its maritime autonomous systems to strengthen regional p/ships while building operational experience. Lower-classification missions like fisheries patrol, border surveillance, & MDA offer ideal testing grounds for these emerging technologies.' sldinfo.com/2025/06/aust...

'Ireland has signed a multi-million euro deal with French company Thales DMS for sonar for the Irish Naval Service which will be able to detect submerged submarines and help to protect subsea cables.' www.thejournal.ie/thales-irish...

There are some interesting similarities between this Israeli attack on Iranian facilities and the 'Spider's Web' attack by Ukraine on Russian airbases. Lessons to be learned for better protecting airbases and military sites worldwide. www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...

'US Marine Corps has received its final MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended Range uncrewed aircraft system, concluding a rapid 3-year procurement effort aimed at strengthening expeditionary aviation capabilities... [which] marks the 20th MQ-9A handed over to the Marines.' defence-blog.com/final-mq-9a-...

'The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reaffirmed its dedication to national sovereignty and defense modernization as it launched the offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) in Ulsan, South Korea'. www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstor...

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) are planning to embark on a deep sea biodiversity expedition around Christmas Island Seamount Province in collaboration with US-headquartered non-profit OceanX & other small island developing states. www.straitstimes.com/singapore/en...

Terrible news from Ahmedabad with a plane crash soon after takeoff - 242 passengers & crew members (169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 1 Canadian & 7 Portuguese nationals). No reported number of fatalities as yet & the injured are being taken to nearest hospitals www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06...

A fantastic new DSI Policy Brief by our intern Tenille Pavlinovich on Australia needing to continue with an effective policy of diplomacy in Southeast Asia to explain AUKUS - check it out here.

INS Tabar, a submarine & P8I aircraft participated in PASSEX in North Arabian Sea with UK Carrier Strike Group on 9 & 10 June which involved unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated ASW ops & exchange of officers. www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/...

US & PH militaries will train in maritime security, live-fire & amphibious operations. The GSDF (incl Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade) & ROK marines will take part in disaster relief training. 1st time ARDB participates with ROK peer in multinat training exercise asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Int...

PAF receives first ATR 72-600MPA maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft is one of two long-range patrol aircraft ordered through a $114 million contract signed in 2023 to be fulfilled over 5 years and includes the integration of an advanced multi-mission suite. armyrecognition.com/news/aerospa...