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Troy Lee-Brown

@drtlee-brown.bsky.social
530 followers 437 following 409 posts

Research Fellow @ UWA Def & Sec Institute | Editor @ Black Swan Strategy Papers | Project Manager @ Blue Security Program | Maritime Security, India FP, Indian Ocean, Defence | avmo

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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
“I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, the best he could make.” www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
theguardian.com
Trump waters down criticism of UK’s Chagos Islands deal after call with Starmer
US president says deal, which he previously described as act of ‘great stupidity’, was ‘best’ PM could make
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
'Beijing’s bid to host the secretariat of High Seas Treaty has brought ASEAN’s long-standing maritime anxieties back into focus, raising doubts about whether stewardship of the global commons can be separated from tensions in the South China Sea and.. the Arctic.' cambodianess.com/article/beij...
cambodianess.com
Beijing’s Bid for High Seas Treaty Secretariat Tests ASEAN Faith in Maritime Rules
PHNOM PENH — As China moves to anchor the world’s newest ocean treaty on its own coastline, Southeast Asia is asking an old question with renewed...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
New issue of @bluesecprogram.bsky.social Maritime Affairs by Su Wai Mon and Vu Hai Dang on cybersecurity at Southeast Asia's ports.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
'But since late last year, some Japanese officials have been discreetly urging [fisherman] Nakama and his peers to steer clear of the remote outcrops - known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China - to avoid escalating a diplomatic clash with Beijing'.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
I'm quoted in SCMP, thanks Maria Siow for the opportunity to comment. 'The Will for Peace exercise should not be read as Brics abandoning its economic agenda altogether, according to Troy Lee-Brown, a research fellow at UWA’s Defence and Security Institute.' www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
scmp.com
Testing the waters: is Brics evolving into a security alliance?
The first naval exercises under the ‘Brics plus’ banner saw Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia and South Africa take part. India did not.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
On Monday, [Gor] was formally welcomed as the ambassador at an event in Delhi...Classic American songs filled the room - a playlist.. personally chosen by the ambassador - ranging from Hello by Lionel Richie to YMCA by Village People and Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash.' www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
India and US 'actively engaged' in trade negotiations, says new ambassador
Sergio Gor tells reporters in Delhi "real friends can disagree but will always resolve differences".
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Add this great new Maritime Affairs issue to your summer reading list by Thu Nguyen Hoang Anh.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Great new issue of Maritime Affairs!!
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
'South Korea's Marine Corps Commandant Ju Il-suk will meet with his counterparts from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen security in the region and expand military cooperation with the nations.' www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
koreaherald.com
Marine chief to discuss regional security with Thai, Indonesian, Philippine counterparts
South Korea's Marine Corps Commandant Ju Il-suk will meet with his counterparts from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines on Tuesday to discuss ways to stren
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
‘Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Australian P-8 surveillance plane was conducting a routine patrol over the South China Sea when it was approached by a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Su-35 fighter jet that released flares two of them "very close" to the P8.’ www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
abc.net.au
'Unprofessional' Chinese fighter jet incident raised with Beijing: Marles
Defence Minister Richard Marles says the incident was "unsafe and unprofessional" and the government has made representations to China.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
'India has secured agreement from govt of Mauritius allowing it to establish a satellite station in Chagos archipelago'. This follows on from an agreement made in September to allow Indian naval vessels to conduct hydrographic surveys of the archipelago. www.maritime-executive.com/article/indi...
maritime-executive.com
India Secures Defense Presence on Chagos Islands
India has secured agreement from the government of Mauritius allowing it to establish a satellite station in the Chagos archipelago, according to rep...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
'Apaches can project lethal vertical firepower forward to deny adversaries freedom of movement, to support marine and amphibious insertions, protect key bases and lines of communication, and respond rapidly to challenges in remote areas.' nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/wh...
nationalinterest.org
Why Australia Is Buying Up AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
Australia’s Apache purchase deepens the US-Australia industrial and defense relationship—while underwriting Canberra’s credentials as a serious defense industrial actor in the Indo-Pacific.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
I write for ASPI on improving the resilience of Australia's network of northern airbases. "Geography dictates the importance of an effective northern base network. Time, however, is the critical factor and Australia cannot afford further delay." www.aspistrategist.org.au/australias-n...
aspistrategist.org.au
Australia’s northern air bases: building resilience, slowly | The Strategist
Australia’s northern air bases are vital to national defence, yet improving their resilience remains a work in progress. And the progress is incremental. This isn’t a new task. The 2023 Defence Strate...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
"ATLAS’s operational acceptance is a first step to improving the Space Force’s ability to detect, track, and characterize objects in space in a precise enough way to allow persistent “eyes” on adversary satellites." breakingdefense.com/2025/09/spac...
breakingdefense.com
Space Force declares ATLAS space domain awareness software 'operational' - Breaking Defense
"[O]n the ops floor, [ATLAS is] generating a catalog — it's publishing data to Space-track.org They're using that as a primary system," Space Systems Command's Shannon Pallone said in an exclusive int...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
INS Nistar already contributing to regional deep sea S&R in Southeast Asia just a couple of months after she was commissioned. With the proliferation of manned underwater assets in the region, the ability to conduct rescues quickly & safely is paramount. economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence...
economictimes.indiatimes.com
Indian Navy demonstrates global submarine rescue capability at Exercise Pacific Reach
The Indian Navy's Submarine Rescue Unit (East), embarked on INS Nistar, showcased precision and professionalism at XPR-25, hosted by Singapore Navy (RSN), the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Good outline of some of the strategic maneuvering by regional and extra-regional powers in Bay of Bengal. www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-e...
dhakatribune.com
Build-up in the Bay, the Andamans shuffle, and the region’s maritime makeover
Except for the time of the mercantile militarists of various European countries that swamped the region in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Bay of Bengal has perhaps never been in as sweet a geopoliti...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
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...
ussc.edu.au
An Australian Indian Ocean agenda to 2035
As the Indian Ocean grows central to Australia’s security, this report sets out a roadmap for a cohesive strategy that balances ambition with resources.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
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...
scmp.com
Aukus faces an ‘America first’ review. Will Trump’s agenda scupper the deal?
Australia’s huge financial commitment to the Aukus pact may work in its favour, but Trump’s deal-making approach means anything is possible.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Plastic pellets and maritime security www.themorning.lk/articles/E3c...
themorning.lk
Plastic pellets and maritime security
Throughout history, Sri Lanka’s coastline has been protected from storms, pirates, and oil spills. But in recent years, a new and silent threat has emerged
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
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...
ts2.tech
Japan’s $300 Million Undersea Cable Gamble: Inside the Global Race to Secure the Internet’s Lifelines
Japan’s $300 Million Undersea Cable Gamble: Inside the Global Race to Secure the Internet’s Lifelines - Tech Space 2.0
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Reposted by Troy Lee-Brown
War on the Rocks @warontherocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
These authors reflect on their war techno-thriller that imagined the future fight — and then watched much of it come true.
warontherocks.com
Ghost Fleet, Ten Years Later: An Interview with P.W. Singer and August Cole
This exclusive Cogs of War interview is with P.W. Singer and August Cole, who in 2015 published Ghost Fleet, a futuristic thriller depicting the next
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
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...
news.abplive.com
First Australian Defence Industry Trade Mission To Visit India On Oct 6
The Australian defence industry trade delegation will include companies in the field of cyber defence, intelligence, and reconnaissance. India and Australia are top-tier security partners.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
'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/...
reuters.com
U.S. targets China's grip on global ports in sweeping maritime mission
The drive is part of the most ambitious effort to expand U.S. maritime influence since the 1970s and is designed to address growing fears in Washington that it would be at a disadvantage to China in the event of a conflict.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
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-...
rusi.org
Beyond a Trade Deal: the India-UK Strategic Partnership
With the signing of the latest economic deal, India and the UK should either elevate their existing security arrangements or explore avenues to enhance the trajectory of their defence relations.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Slam poetry from the US Sec of War.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
'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...
theguardian.com
Jair Bolsonaro faces justice over alleged attempt to usurp Brazilian democracy
Former president in court along with seven others accused of failed power grab after losing 2022 election
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
'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...
koreaherald.com
At Philly Shipyard, Lee pledges support for MASGA success
President Lee Jae Myung visited a shipyard in Philadelphia on Tuesday, in a symbolic move to underscore South Korea's commitment to helping revitalize the Unite
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
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...
mainichi.jp
Japan announces provision of security aid to East Timor - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan said Tuesday it will provide security aid to East Timor, making it the eighth country to become a recipient, as part of efforts
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
'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...
economictimes.indiatimes.com
Navy ships 'Udaygiri', 'Himgiri' to be commissioned simultaneously at Vizag on Tuesday
India's naval capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the simultaneous commissioning of 'Udaygiri' and 'Himgiri' at Visakhapatnam. These Project 17A stealth frigates, built by MDL and...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
“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-...
deccanherald.com
India, Fiji sign 7 pacts; unveil action plan to boost defence and maritime security
PM Modi and Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka signed seven agreements and launched an action plan to strengthen defence, maritime security, trade, health, and digital cooperation, reaffirming support for a fr...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
'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...
lowyinstitute.org
The roots of statehood: Why coastal ecosystems matter for sovereignty
Who are the true protectors of territory, and how much is their service worth?
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
'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...
lowyinstitute.org
Why maritime surveillance in the Indo-Pacific starts with trust before data
Sharing data can be sensitive, so donors are right to prefer building local maritime capacity.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
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-...
sundayguardianlive.com
The celebration of Rajendra Chola’s naval expeditions
One thousand years ago, an Indian ruler carried out what was arguably the most audacious naval campaign ever launched from the Indian subcontinent. Rajendra Chola I, heir to…
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
'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...
manilatimes.net
Malacañang launches maritime awareness drive
MALACAÑANG has issued a memorandum circular aimed at deepening public understanding of the Philippines’ maritime identity.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
'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...
theconversation.com
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
"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...
bbc.com
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Fantastic new @bluesecprogram.bsky.social Maritime Affairs issue by Muhamad Arif who utilises strategic culture to unpick how Indonesia formulates it maritime policies.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
'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...
wionews.com
INS Nistar: Navy's force multiplier in the Indo-Pacific
INS Nistar Navys force multiplier in the Indo Pacific
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
'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...
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
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...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
'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...
contactairlandandsea.com
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
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
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...
hindustantimes.com
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
'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-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
'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...
wionews.com
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...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
'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/...
reuters.com
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
'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...
state.gov
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...
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
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.
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Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Coast Guard to receive drones from Australia Both countries to strengthen civil-maritime security cooperation www.thedailystar.net/news/banglad...
thedailystar.net
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 ...
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Reposted by Troy Lee-Brown
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
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
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