In this final episode of Saltwater Strategists for 2025, host Duncan MacRae sits down with Omni Executive’s Steven Thorpe and Nick Stoker to discuss Australian engagement and partnership in the Pacific region. Omni, an Australian-owned business and sponsor of the Australian Naval Institute, focuses on delivering innovative national security and critical infrastructure solutions to develop Australia's sovereign capability and support the national interest. As Steven prepares to step into the role of CEO of Omni in February 2026, he and Business Development Manager, Nick, draw on the company’s experience delivering services across the Pacific, and their own unique perspectives from service in the Australian Defence Force, to provide examples and recommendations on matters such as cooperation between national security institutions, Commonwealth and Australian industry collaboration in capacity building, Government policy, and even sport to address a range of challenges facing Australia in positioning itself as a dependable and supportive partner throughout the Pacific, particularly with the island nations of the South-West Pacific.

The recent Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade Exposition and the Royal Australian Navy’s Seapower Conference was the venue for the launch of ‘A Maritime Strategy for Australia – AMS 2035’, a monograph from the Naval Studies Group at the University of New South Wales (Canberra). This timely publication brings together research and analysis from a group of distinguished authors; presenting strategic, policy and practical thinking in support of its ultimate call for the development of a holistic and desperately needed national maritime strategy for Australia. In this episode of Saltwater Strategists, host Duncan MacRae is joined by the two editors of AMS 2035, Peter Jones and Jennifer Parker, to discuss the publication. Drawing on the ‘Ends-Ways-Means’ structure of the monograph, the conversation investigates Australia’s geopolitical situation and the implications of the maritime nature of Australia’s strategic position before considering the varying elements and stakeholders involved in a comprehensive national maritime strategy. The episode then concludes with a review of some of the study’s recommendations for implementing this strategy. UNSW Naval Studies Group - https://www.unsw.edu.au/canberra/about-us/our-schools/hass/our-research/maritime-security/naval-studies-group

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s (ANI) Saltwater Strategists, special guest host and ANI Councillor Jen Parker is joined by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy and Patron of the ANI, to discuss the Navy’s transformation in the face of a rapidly changing maritime environment. Vice Admiral Hammond reflects on the milestones of his tenure as Chief of Navy, including the announcement of the upgraded Mogami-class General Purpose Frigate, the integration of enhanced missile capabilities, and the release of the National Defence Strategy with its strong maritime focus. The conversation explores how the Navy is reshaping its surface combatant and submarine fleet under AUKUS and the Surface Combatant Review, while also grappling with challenges of fleet readiness and lethality. Admiral Hammond highlights the implications of a changing maritime threat environment, underscoring the need for a capable, adaptive force. Looking ahead, Vice Admiral Hammond outlines the Navy’s priorities for the coming decade: deepening interoperability with allies and partners such as the United States and Japan, strengthening combat power, and preparing the fleet for high-end warfare. He also reflects on the Navy’s heritage as it approaches its 125th anniversary in 2026 and shares his vision for what the Navy should look like by 2030. This episode offers listeners a rare insight into how the Royal Australian Navy is navigating a pivotal moment in Australia’s defence strategy, delivering the people, partnerships, and platforms needed for the maritime century.

In this episode of Saltwater Strategists, host Duncan MacRae welcomes former Sri Lankan naval officer Dr Roshan Kulatunga to discuss Sri Lankan maritime strategy through the lens of his recent academic research. Dr Kulatunga holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Peradeniya, where he currently conducts research on maritime strategy, sea power, maritime diplomacy and the security of small island states. He also serves as a Research Associate at the Indo-Pacific Study Centre. Dr Kulatunga describes the historical origins of contemporary naval and maritime security in Sri Lanka before drawing on applicable strategic theories such as Shelter Theory by Iceland’s Buldur Thorhallsson, and more traditional naval theorists such as Mahan, to argue the case for a deliberate, cohesive maritime strategy which brings together the full community of Sri Lankan maritime agencies and stakeholders. Through this unified strategy, supported by a strongly engaged academic and practitioner community, Sri Lanka will be best placed to face future strategic challenges.

The trilateral AUKUS agreement has drawn significant attention to the matter of naval shipbuilding across all three participant nations. Joining host Duncan MacRae to discuss the many challenges facing naval shipbuilding programs in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, is Dr Emma Salisbury, Sea Power Research Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy and an Associate Fellow at the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre. Emma has conducted significant research focused on the history and concept of the military-industrial complex, and she writes widely on military procurement, naval strategy, and defence innovation in the UK, Europe, and the United States. Through examples of industrial policy, defence strategy, the US Constellation-class frigate program and of course, AUKUS, Duncan and Emma explore the current challenges facing naval shipbuilding and their impact on the industry’s ability to support not only current order books but also deal with wartime attrition before considering various policy, financial and operational remedial measures currently underway. For those interested in a deeper dive, this recent podcast episode from the Centre for Maritime Strategy provides a particularly US perspective: https://centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications/from-keel-to-commissioning-how-to-build-more-ships/ Further interesting content can also be found at the following links: Emma Salisbury: www.emmasalisbury.info Council on Geostrategy: www.geostrategy.org.uk Council on Geostrategy’s online magazine: www.thebroadside.org.uk War On The Rocks podcast: www.warontherocks.com

In this episode of the Saltwater Strategist, ANI councillor and podcast host Duncan MacRae speaks with Angela Gillham, Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) and member of the Australian Government’s 2022 Maritime Strategic Fleet Taskforce. The creation of the Maritime Strategic Fleet Taskforce in October 2022, followed by the delivery of its report in June 2023, was an effort by the Australian Government to address a declining and long-neglected sovereign strategic shipping capability. With a government tender currently underway to identify industry partners for an initial pilot program, Angela and Duncan discuss the Taskforce, its report's recommendations to the Government, and the complex challenges involved in establishing an effective Maritime Strategic Fleet for Australia.

Inaugurated in 2021, The Australian Naval Institute’s Commodore Sam Bateman Book Prize is awarded annually by the ANI to recognise excellence in books making a major contribution to the study and understanding of naval and maritime matters. In this episode of Saltwater Strategists, host Duncan MacRae welcomes Dr Tom Lewis, OAM to the podcast to discuss his winning entry to the 2024 Prize – ‘The Sinking of HMAS Sydney’. ‘The Sinking of HMAS Sydney’ is a book about much more than just the fateful encounter between the HMAS Sydney and armed raider Kormoran in November of 1941. Written for a broad audience, it introduces the reader to the diversity of people, professions and technologies, and complexities involved in sailing and fighting a World War 2-era cruiser before concluding with key research and analysis into HMAS Sydney’s demise, search efforts, and the subsequent answers provided by her discovery in March 2008. In conversation, Duncan and Tom discuss the origins and motivations behind the book, explore the personal experiences described in the opening chapters, and consider the conclusive nature of the eventual discovery of one of the Royal Australian Navy’s most famous fighting ships.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Australian Naval Institute. In this first episode for 2025, podcast host Duncan MacRae chats with sitting ANI President, Peter Leavy, AM CSM, to discuss the history of the ANI – its formation, key personalities, notable events and activities – and the organisation’s vision for the future. Duncan and Peter also discuss the year ahead and the ways in which the organisation is planning to celebrate its 50 years of contributing to naval and maritime discussion here in Australia, the near region and globally. Peter concludes by providing his priorities as president - to grow membership and engagement - as the ANI looks towards its next 50 years.

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, host Jen Parker is joined by Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, to discuss the Army's strategic focus on optimising for littoral manoeuvre. Lieutenant General Stuart discusses the strategic importance of littoral manoeuvre for Australia as an island nation and why this focus has become imperative now. They explore the Army's future plans for operating effectively in complex maritime environments, highlighting changes in force structure, training, and operational readiness. The conversation also covers new capability developments, such as the integration of amphibious ships and other assets that will enhance the Army's ability to project power and conduct operations in contested littoral zones. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of how the Australian Army is adapting to emerging threats and positioning itself to play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability through enhanced littoral capabilities.

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, host Jen Parker is joined by Tom Shugart, a prominent expert in naval and defence strategy, to discuss the evolving power of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). With a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy and deep expertise in analysing naval capabilities, Tom provides a detailed analysis of China's maritime ambitions. Jen and Tom delve into key topics, including the PLAN's modernisation efforts, the strategic role of submarines in China’s maritime strategy, and the growing significance of uncrewed naval platforms. They also explore recent developments, such as the reported sinking of a Chinese nuclear submarine, examining what this incident might reveal about the operational challenges facing the PLAN. Drawing comparisons with the U.S. Navy and allied forces, the discussion highlights both strengths and weaknesses in the PLAN’s operational approaches, and Tom offers insights into where China's naval forces may head in the coming decade, including potential areas of future investment. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of how the PLA Navy is positioning itself as a major maritime power and what this means for broader Indo-Pacific security dynamics.

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, ANI Councillor Jen Parker and renowned British naval historian Professor Geoffrey Till discuss Professor Till’s book, ‘How to Grow a Navy’. ‘How to Grow a Navy’ was the 2023 winner of the Australian Naval Institute’s Commodore Sam Bateman Book Prize. This episode covers a broad range of issues affecting naval development from the need for a ‘national enterprise’ to support naval growth, to the impacts of personnel training, fleet design, maritime administration and lessons for the Royal Australian Navy.

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, ANI Councillor Duncan MacRae is joined by Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, to discuss what the future of Indonesian maritime and naval capability might look like under the forthcoming presidency of Prabowo Subianto. Drawing on insights from Prabowo’s tenure as Indonesian Defence Minister, Duncan and Collin explore what President Subianto’s impact will likely be on the progression of a significant modernisation program for the TNI-AL, the development of Indonesia’s defence industry, the disposition and strategic focus of Indonesian maritime forces, and attitudes towards China, the US, Australia and other regional nations.

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, ANI Councillor Duncan MacRae welcomes Rob Wilson, Business Development Manager for Systematic in Australia, and Mick Devine, Defence Account Manager for Saab Australia, to discuss the application of open-architecture concepts to naval and defence capability. From Systematic’s extensive history as a global defence information systems provider and Saab’s position as Australia’s sovereign capability partner for naval combat systems, Duncan, Rob, and Mick discuss current examples of open-architecture design in global C2 and situational awareness tools and explore the ongoing opportunities for incorporating open-architecture thinking in the context of Australia’s National Defence Strategy and AUKUS Pillar 2.

In this special episode of the Saltwater Strategists, we bring you the annual Vernon Parker Oration recorded in Canberra on 15 May 2024. Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of the National Security College, Australian National University delivers this iteration of the Vernon Parker Oration ‘Putting AUKUS in its place: Australia’s submerged Indo-Pacific strategy’.

In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, ANI Councillor Jen Parker (www.jennifer-parker.com.au) and Open-Source Intelligence expert HI Sutton from ‘Covert Shores’ (www.hisutton.com) discuss Ukraine’s effective sea denial campaign in the Black Sea. Separating fact from fiction, Jen and HI Sutton breakdown the details of the maritime capabilities employed by Ukraine, with a particular focus on their evolutionary use of offensive uncrewed surface vessels at what this may mean for the future of naval warfare.

This is the third Saltwater Strategists episode of three supported by the ASEAN-Australia special summit maritime track organisers. Following a big week in Southeast Asian maritime affairs, from the ASEAN-Australia dialogue held in Melbourne, to further dangerous incidents in the South China Sea this podcast covers it all. ANI Councillor Jen Parker and Dr Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby a non-resident scholar at Carnegie China, break down many of the maritime security challenges impacting the Philippines and how the Philippines’ allies and partners can assist.

This is our second episode of three supported by the ASEAN-Australia special summit maritime track organisers. In the lead up to the ASEAN-Australia special summit maritime track, ANI Councillor Jen Parker sits down with Dr Asmiati Malik, from the University of Bakrie, Indonesia. In this episode Jen and Asmiati get back to basics discussing the history of ASEAN, the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific and how ASEAN approaches regional maritime security before delving into Indonesia’s maritime security structure. This podcast is proudly bought to you by the organisers of the ASEAN-Australia special summit.

In the first episode of Series 3 on the Australian Naval Institute’s Saltwater Strategists, the focus is on the year ahead for maritime affairs in Australia. Professor Bec Strating, Director Latrobe Asia and a non-visiting fellow at the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea Power Centre joins Australian Naval Institute Councillor Jen Parker to discuss what are shaping up to be some of the biggest maritime topics of the year, whilst focusing in on the maritime challenges in Southeast Asia Bec and Jen discuss naval diplomacy, soft power, and Australia’s maritime engagement in the region. 2024 represents the 50-year anniversary of Australia becoming a dialogue partner of ASEAN. In the lead up to the ASEAN-Australia special summit maritime track being hosted in Australia in March 2024, Bec and Jen discuss the key maritime summit themes. This podcast is proudly bought to you by the organisers of the ASEAN-Australia special summit.

In this episode of ‘The Saltwater Strategists,’ ANI Councillor Professor Rob McLaughlin takes the helm and interviews the Australian Naval Institute’s Jennifer Parker and VADM (Retd) Peter Jones on their recent Australian Naval Institute Occasional Paper ‘Australian Naval Capabilities in the Littoral: Past, Present and into the Future’. During the episode Rob, Peter and Jen explore the history of RAN littoral operations, current RAN capabilities littoral and littoral definitions and concepts in modern naval operations. Set amongst the back drop of Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the successful employment of Ukrainian Uncrewed Surface Vessels in the littorals of the Black Sea, this podcast provides a timely and relevant discussion on the RAN’s littoral pedigree and future challenges.

In this episode of the #saltwaterstrategists, Goldrick Seminar series we hear from Rear Admiral Matt Buckley, Head Nuclear-Powered Submarine Capability on Australian Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Addressing the why? This is a recording Rear Admiral Buckley’s address at the Australian Naval Institute’s Goldrick Conference held in Canberra on 19 October. Rear Admiral Buckley outlines the case for nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines for the Australian strategic context and delves into the cost of ownership of this important capability.