Troy Lee-Brown

Malacañang launches maritime awareness drive MALACAÑANG has issued a memorandum circular aimed at deepening public understanding of the Philippines’ maritime identity.

'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...

As Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new research China and the US are well aware of Sri Lanka’s potential.

'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...

F-35B in Kerala: UK fighter jet stuck in India ready to fly The F-35B landed in Kerala on 14 June after running into bad weather, then reported a technical snag.

"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.

INS Nistar: Navy's force multiplier in the Indo-Pacific INS Nistar Navys force multiplier in the Indo Pacific

'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...

Japan to Export Used Destroyers to Philippines, as Both Countries Look to Counter China on Seas <p>Tokyo and Manila have agreed that Japan will export some of its used destroyers to the Philippines, according to Japanese government sources. If the ships are handed over as planned, it will be the...

'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...

RAAF on Indian Ocean patrol out of Goa, India - CONTACT magazine Share the post "RAAF on Indian Ocean patrol out of Goa, India" FacebookLinkedInPinterestTwitterShare…Email Flying from the city of Goa on

'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...

Work begins on future British nuclear attack submarine Babcock has confirmed it has begun long-lead work on the UK’s future SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

'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-...

In a strategic move, India’s MDL to acquire majority stake in Colombo Dockyard 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 Colo...

'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...

India says defence gathering in China unable to adopt joint statement 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.

'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/...

Department Press Briefing – June 26, 2025 - United States Department of State 2:15 p.m. EDT MR PIGOTT: Hello everybody. Hopefully, you’re staying somewhat cool in this weather. I know it’s been a hot — QUESTION: It’s nice. MR PIGOTT: It’s nice. (Laughter.) It’s been a hot coupl...

'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 The Australian government will provide technical assistance -- including aerial drones as gifts -- to the Bangladesh Coast Guard as part of ongoing civil-maritime security cooperation between the two ...

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

Domestic factors likely played a role too re July election but yes erratic demands on def spend from an ally seems too much for Tokyo.

Turkey’s ‘Asia Anew’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a growing strategic surprise for India While Turkey has expanded arms sales to Pakistan and Bangladesh, India has been conspicuously excluded, or rather blacklisted.

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...

Pres. Christodoulides described Cyprus as India’s "gateway into Europe".
Perhaps an alternative to crossing the Bosphorus.

Philippines, Japan hold anti-submarine drills in West Philippine Sea Just days after Japan ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) allowing increased military engagements between the two countries, Philippine and Japanese warships sailed the waters of the West P...

'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 and the Way Ahead with Autonomous Systems - Second Line of Defense During my visit to Australia in May-June 2025, I have focused significantly on the coming of autonomous systems and how to incorporate them effectively into the Australian Defence Force and for securi...

'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 signs deal with French company for sonar to detect submarines and monitor undersea cables The towed array sonar will be manufactured by Thales DMS and will be a device which is dragged behind naval ships and monitors what is below the surface.

'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...

Congrats mate.

Mossad set up drone base in Iran; UAVs were activated overnight to strike surface-to-surface missile launchers aimed at Israel * * *

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...

Final MQ-9A Reaper delivered to U.S. Marines The U.S. Marine Corps has received its final MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended Range uncrewed aircraft system, concluding a rapid three-year procurement effort aimed at strengthening expeditionary aviatio...

'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-...

AFP launches offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman AFP launches offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman in South Korea

'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...

S’pore researchers to go on deep sea expedition with non-profit OceanX in October: Vivian The expedition will bring together regional scientists, especially from small island developing states. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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...

Air India flight bound for UK crashes with at least 240 on board Flight AI171 was taking off in the city of Ahmedabad when it crashed into a civilian area, local police reported.

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.