Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 18/03/2026Trump isn't the ally - the United States is. He was elected - twice! 000
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.comTrump waters down criticism of UK’s Chagos Islands deal after call with StarmerUS president says deal, which he previously described as act of ‘great stupidity’, was ‘best’ PM could make 000
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.comBeijing’s Bid for High Seas Treaty Secretariat Tests ASEAN Faith in Maritime RulesPHNOM 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... 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 05/02/2026New issue of @bluesecprogram.bsky.social Maritime Affairs by Su Wai Mon and Vu Hai Dang on cybersecurity at Southeast Asia's ports. 001
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'. 020
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/01/2026I'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.comTesting 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. 021
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 12/01/2026On 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.comIndia and US 'actively engaged' in trade negotiations, says new ambassadorSergio Gor tells reporters in Delhi "real friends can disagree but will always resolve differences". 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 29/12/2025It wasn't her estranged hubby (invited but didn't attend) it was her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, Gail's sister Heather, and Heather's husband Ian. 000
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/12/2025Add this great new Maritime Affairs issue to your summer reading list by Thu Nguyen Hoang Anh. 010
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.comMarine chief to discuss regional security with Thai, Indonesian, Philippine counterpartsSouth 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 020
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: MarlesDefence Minister Richard Marles says the incident was "unsafe and unprofessional" and the government has made representations to China. 021
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.comIndia Secures Defense Presence on Chagos IslandsIndia has secured agreement from the government of Mauritius allowing it to establish a satellite station in the Chagos archipelago, according to rep... 010
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.orgWhy Australia Is Buying Up AH-64E Apache Attack HelicoptersAustralia’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. 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 03/10/2025I 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.auAustralia’s northern air bases: building resilience, slowly | The StrategistAustralia’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... 010
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.comSpace 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... 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 01/10/2025INS 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.comIndian Navy demonstrates global submarine rescue capability at Exercise Pacific ReachThe 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. 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/09/2025Good outline of some of the strategic maneuvering by regional and extra-regional powers in Bay of Bengal. www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-e...dhakatribune.comBuild-up in the Bay, the Andamans shuffle, and the region’s maritime makeoverExcept 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... 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/09/2025The 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. 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 25/09/2025A 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.auAn Australian Indian Ocean agenda to 2035As the Indian Ocean grows central to Australia’s security, this report sets out a roadmap for a cohesive strategy that balances ambition with resources. 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 22/09/2025I'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.comAukus 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. 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 21/09/2025Plastic pellets and maritime security www.themorning.lk/articles/E3c...themorning.lkPlastic pellets and maritime securityThroughout 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 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Japan'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.techJapan’s $300 Million Undersea Cable Gamble: Inside the Global Race to Secure the Internet’s LifelinesJapan’s $300 Million Undersea Cable Gamble: Inside the Global Race to Secure the Internet’s Lifelines - Tech Space 2.0 010
Reposted by Troy Lee-BrownWar on the Rocks @warontherocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2025These authors reflect on their war techno-thriller that imagined the future fight — and then watched much of it come true.warontherocks.comGhost Fleet, Ten Years Later: An Interview with P.W. Singer and August ColeThis 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 041
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Australian 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.comFirst Australian Defence Industry Trade Mission To Visit India On Oct 6The 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. 000
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Read it here: archive.md/nMgLg#select...archive.md 000
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.comU.S. targets China's grip on global ports in sweeping maritime missionThe 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. 200
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Advocates 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.orgBeyond a Trade Deal: the India-UK Strategic PartnershipWith 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. 001
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 03/09/2025A 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. 000
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.comJair Bolsonaro faces justice over alleged attempt to usurp Brazilian democracyFormer president in court along with seven others accused of failed power grab after losing 2022 election 000
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.comAt Philly Shipyard, Lee pledges support for MASGA successPresident 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 000
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 26/08/2025Japan 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.jpJapan announces provision of security aid to East Timor - The MainichiTOKYO (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 010
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.comNavy ships 'Udaygiri', 'Himgiri' to be commissioned simultaneously at Vizag on TuesdayIndia'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... 010
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.comIndia, Fiji sign 7 pacts; unveil action plan to boost defence and maritime securityPM 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... 020
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.orgThe roots of statehood: Why coastal ecosystems matter for sovereigntyWho are the true protectors of territory, and how much is their service worth? 010
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.orgWhy maritime surveillance in the Indo-Pacific starts with trust before dataSharing data can be sensitive, so donors are right to prefer building local maritime capacity. 000
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 10/08/2025Interesting 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.comThe celebration of Rajendra Chola’s naval expeditionsOne 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… 000
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.netMalacañang launches maritime awareness driveMALACAÑANG has issued a memorandum circular aimed at deepening public understanding of the Philippines’ maritime identity. 010
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.comAs Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new researchChina and the US are well aware of Sri Lanka’s potential. 000
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.comF-35B in Kerala: UK fighter jet stuck in India ready to flyThe F-35B landed in Kerala on 14 June after running into bad weather, then reported a technical snag. 000
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 21/07/2025Fantastic new @bluesecprogram.bsky.social Maritime Affairs issue by Muhamad Arif who utilises strategic culture to unpick how Indonesia formulates it maritime policies. 010
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.comINS Nistar: Navy's force multiplier in the Indo-PacificINS Nistar Navys force multiplier in the Indo Pacific 000
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.jpJapan 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... 041
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.comRAAF on Indian Ocean patrol out of Goa, India - CONTACT magazineShare the post "RAAF on Indian Ocean patrol out of Goa, India" FacebookLinkedInPinterestTwitterShare…Email Flying from the city of Goa on 010
Troy Lee-Brown @drtlee-brown.bsky.social · 30/06/2025Quad 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 000
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.ukWork begins on future British nuclear attack submarineBabcock has confirmed it has begun long-lead work on the UK’s future SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. 000
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.comIn a strategic move, India’s MDL to acquire majority stake in Colombo DockyardMazagon 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... 000
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.comIndia says defence gathering in China unable to adopt joint statementDefence 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. 000
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.govDepartment Press Briefing – June 26, 2025 - United States Department of State2:15 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... 000