Maritime Operations
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
U.S. bolsters Diego Garcia base to support Indo-Pacific Allies, Partners
FORUM Staff The United States has deployed six B-2 bombers, a C-17 military transport aircraft and several refueling tankers to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia to maintain operational readiness and ensure protection of strategic assets. The bombers, about one-third of the U.S. Air Force’s stealth bomber fleet, and other aircraft are stationed at the joint United Kingdom-U.S. base…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
India boosts naval fleet as China’s regional shadow looms
Mandeep Singh India’s expanding naval fleet is upholding security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a vital corridor for global shipping, officials and analysts say. With the recent commissioning of three domestically built vessels — and with about 60 large vessels under construction — the maritime forces of the world’s most populous country are a key counterweight to…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Indonesia strengthens naval fleet with refurbishment, enhancement program
Gusty Da Costa In February 2025, the newly refurbished Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Bung Tomo departed Belawan Navy Base for the multilateral exercise Aman in the Arabian Sea. The 90-meter frigate is one of 41 vessels benefiting from Jakarta’s R41 program to extend the fleet’s service life and enhance its combat capabilities. A partnership of the Defense Ministry and Indonesian…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Royal Australian Navy deployment demonstrates nation’s commitment to regional security
FORUM Staff The Royal Australian Navy’s six-week engagement in Southeast Asia, including participation in a multilateral exercise, marks the nation’s first regional deployment of 2025. The guided-missile destroyer HMAS Hobart, with a crew of about 230 and an MH-60R Romeo Seahawk helicopter, departed its home port of Sydney in mid-January. Such deployments “demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional security…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Japan’s marine unit set for critical role in strengthening regional security
Felix Kim Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) is set to play a critical role in strengthening national and regional security, according to analysts. Established in 2018, the ARDB is the first marine unit fielded by Japan since World War II. It is designed and trained for amphibious operations to defend and, if necessary, retake remote islands. In March 2024,…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Manila advances multilateral cooperation for regional, global security
FORUM Staff The Philippines is rapidly expanding international defense partnerships amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) illegally claims most of the economically vital and environmentally significant waterway. Beijing has become increasingly aggressive inside Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) — and other nations’ maritime territory — despite an international tribunal’s nearly decade-old ruling…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Indonesia bolstering maritime defenses with long-endurance drones
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia’s planned acquisition of 12 ANKA drones is a significant step in modernizing its military capabilities, enhancing maritime security and supporting self-reliance in defense manufacturing, analysts say. The $300 million deal with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) includes six drones built in Turkey and six assembled locally by Indonesian aerospace firm PTDI. Delivery is expected by November 2025,…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Malaysia strengthens maritime security with advanced patrol aircraft, regional collaboration
Peter Parson Faced with evolving maritime security threats, Malaysia is strengthening its patrol capabilities, including with new aircraft and deeper ties with regional partners. As part of the upgrades, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is purchasing two ATR 72MPA patrol aircraft developed by Italy’s Leonardo Aerospace and converted three of its CN-235 cargo planes into advanced surveillance aircraft. The…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Indonesia strengthening front-line defenses against maritime threats
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia is bolstering its maritime security infrastructure across key outer islands amid growing regional tensions. The strategically located Natuna Islands and Rote Island are at the forefront of the initiative, highlighting Jakarta’s commitment to protect its national borders and maintain stability in contested waters. “Security infrastructure on Indonesia’s outer islands such as Natuna and Rote reflects the…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
U.S. Navy’s port call in Cambodia highlights nations’ deepening engagement
FORUM Staff Cambodian defense officials welcomed a United States Navy littoral combat ship to the Southeast Asian nation’s main deep seaport in mid-December 2024, saying the port call would “strengthen and expand the bonds of friendship.” The Independence-variant USS Savannah docked just days before Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, arrived in Cambodia for talks on promoting…
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