Troy Lee-Brown
@drtlee-brown.bsky.social
Research Fellow @ UWA Def & Sec Institute | Editor @ Black Swan Strategy Papers | Project Manager @ Blue Security Program | Maritime Security, India FP, Indian Ocean, Defence | avmo
Pinned
Troy Lee-Brown
@drtlee-brown.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Blue Security in the Indo-Pacific
This book advances a holistic conceptualisation of maritime security, under the term ‘Blue Security’, and situates it in states across the Indo-Pacific.
The Indo-Pacific encompasses a vast space, inco...
www.routledge.com
I'm really pleased to see this combined effort see the light of day. Thanks to fellow editors @drianhall.bsky.social & @becstrating.bsky.social for their guidance & also to our wonderful maritime security contributors for their time & patience. And its FREE access!
www.routledge.com/Blue-Securit...
www.routledge.com/Blue-Securit...
Great new issue of Maritime Affairs!!
OUT NOW Maritime Affairs Issue 16 | Securing the Blue Energy Future: Offshore Wind and the Protection of Critical Infrastructure at Sea in Southeast Asia and Australia by Dawoon Jung, Febryani Sabatira and Camille Goodman.
November 17, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Great new issue of Maritime Affairs!!
'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...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
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
www.koreaherald.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:35 PM
'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...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
‘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...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
'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.
www.abc.net.au
October 20, 2025 at 9:14 AM
‘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...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
'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...
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...
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...
www.maritime-executive.com
October 19, 2025 at 11:44 PM
'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...
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...
'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/blog/buzz/wh...
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.
nationalinterest.org
October 10, 2025 at 11:41 PM
'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/blog/buzz/wh...
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...
"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...
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...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
October 3, 2025 at 2:40 AM
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...
"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...
"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/2025/09/spac...
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...
breakingdefense.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:52 PM
"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/2025/09/spac...
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/news/defence...
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.
economictimes.indiatimes.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:42 PM
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/news/defence...
Good outline of some of the strategic maneuvering by regional and extra-regional powers in Bay of Bengal.
www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-e...
www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-e...
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...
www.dhakatribune.com
September 25, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Good outline of some of the strategic maneuvering by regional and extra-regional powers in Bay of Bengal.
www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-e...
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.
India has signed off on a package worth nearly 700 billion rupees to help turbocharge its shipbuilding industry and make it more globally competitive against shipbuilding giants in China, Japan and South Korea.
India aims to challenge global shipbuilding giants
The South Asian nation seeks to boost its resilience and strategic self-reliance as China speeds ahead to become a global maritime power.
ebx.sh
September 25, 2025 at 11:32 PM
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...
www.ussc.edu.au/an-australia...
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.
www.ussc.edu.au
September 25, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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...
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...
“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...
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.
www.scmp.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:07 PM
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...
“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...
www.themorning.lk/articles/E3c...
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
www.themorning.lk
September 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Plastic pellets and maritime security
www.themorning.lk/articles/E3c...
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...
ts2.tech/en/japans-30...
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
ts2.tech
September 17, 2025 at 10:09 PM
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/en/japans-30...
Reposted by Troy Lee-Brown
These authors reflect on their war techno-thriller that imagined the future fight — and then watched much of it come true.
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
warontherocks.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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...
news.abplive.com/india-at-204...
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.
news.abplive.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:18 AM
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/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/...
According to 3 sources familiar with the plan, but article does compile numerous WH efforts in this sector.
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
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.
www.reuters.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:00 AM
'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/...
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-...
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
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.
www.rusi.org
September 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
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-...
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
Slam poetry from the US Sec of War.
Hegseth: "Maximum lethality -- not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. We're gonna raise up warriors. Not just defenders."
September 6, 2025 at 12:13 AM
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.
OUT NOW Maritime Affairs Issue 15 | Maritime Security and the Blue Economy in Southeast Asia: Linkages, Impacts and Prospects by @prakashg.bsky.social & Lucky Wuwung
September 3, 2025 at 12:24 AM
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...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
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
www.theguardian.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
'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...
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...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1056...
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
www.koreaherald.com
August 26, 2025 at 10:15 PM
'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...
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...
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
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
mainichi.jp
August 26, 2025 at 10:06 PM
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/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...
economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence...
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...
economictimes.indiatimes.com
August 25, 2025 at 10:03 PM
'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/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-...
www.deccanherald.com/india/india-...
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...
www.deccanherald.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:57 PM
“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-...
www.deccanherald.com/india/india-...