India and Australia Join Effort to Track Submarines in Key Sea Lanes
India and Australia are working together to strengthen control of undersea zones in the Indo‑Pacific, aiming to keep an eye on China’s growing submarine activities. Both nations are part of a larger security group that focuses on protecting important sea routes and ensuring freedom of navigation.
Why Watching the Undersea Matters
- China has been deploying more submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles in the South China Sea and nearby areas.
- These submersible units are becoming more advanced, moving quietly and gathering information below the waves.
- Tracking these vessels is crucial because they can influence stability and the security of sea lanes used for global trade.
What India and Australia Are Doing
- They are sharing seabed sensors, satellites, and patrol aircraft to locate submarines and underwater vehicles.
- There is joint training with anti‑submarine helicopters and drones to boost detection skills.
- The two countries are deepening their information and strategy sharing as part of the Quad (which includes the US and Japan).
Building a Real Undersea Network
- Experts say a complete strategy needs tools placed on the seafloor (sensors), ships and helicopters, plus satellites and drones.
- India and Australia aim to link all these tools so they can detect underwater threats and share data in real time.
- This field, known as Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA), is vital for safety.
Why This Partnership Matters
This cooperation adds depth to the Quad’s efforts, alongside other exercises like Malabar, Mahayudh, and Expanded Maritime drills.
By teaming up, India and Australia strengthen each other without forming a formal military bloc.
They are improving sea patrols and regional security, helping balance against China’s increasing influence in submarine warfare.