Episode 23: AUKUS and Australian Shipbuilding

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 Defence reaffirmation of the trilateral pact, comments by US Secretary of State 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 watching! Be sure to like and subscribe for more maritime insights and stay tuned for the next episode.