The U.S. Navy began anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises off the coasts of Hawaii and Guam on March 4, 2025, with multiple naval units participating.
Exercise Black Widow 2025, which involves coordination among submarines, surface ships, and aircraft to engage a simulated adversary submarine, is currently the pinnacle event for the Navy.
Commander Task Force (CTF) 34 will oversee the operation, leading various units including the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Michael Murphy, and fast-attack submarines USS Mississippi and USS Montana. The exercise facilitates advanced tactical development and combat readiness, according to Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander of the Pacific Submarine Force and CTF 34.
Simultaneously, the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 and helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 are involved, as well as two P-8A Poseidon aircraft from squadrons VP-16 and VP-47 contributing to the Sea Dragon 25 exercise based in Guam.
Sea Dragon 25 is focused on joint operations with other countries, aiming to improve coordination and tactics among the Royal Australian Air Force, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Navy, culminating with tracking live U.S. Navy submarines.
Meanwhile, tensions are also rising due to the presence of Chinese and Russian surveillance vessels around Japan and the surrounding oceans. The Japan Joint Staff Office (JSO) reported sightings of the Chinese PLAN Dongdiao-class surveillance ship, Tianshuxing, seen sailing west 87 miles northeast of Cape Sata on February 28 and then entering the Philippine Sea from the waters between Miyako Island and Okinawa.
On March 5, 2025, the JSO announced another sighting of the Russian Navy surveillance ship Kareliya, which was observed sailing west southwest of Okinawa. The Kareliya had previously operated within Japan’s contiguous zone, prompting close monitoring from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on March 5, 2025, the deployment of three Royal Australian Navy frigates, HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Stuart, and HMAS Toowoomba, tasked with surveilling the Chinese task group comprising of the cruiser CNS Zunyi, frigate CNS Hengyang, and replenishment vessel CNS Weishanhu. Marles emphasized the importance of monitoring these movements to understand their intent.
Further complicate the situation, Chinese warships have made headlines by completing their circumnavigation of Australia, as three vessels were recorded 777 km off the remote territory of Christmas Island on March 7, 2025. Their communications during their mission were reportedly intercepted by Australian commercial vessels, highlighting heightened tensions and naval capabilities.
The Chinese frigate, cruiser, and supply ship demonstrated naval power by conducting live-firing exercises between Australia and New Zealand during their three-week deployment, marking the first time China has completely circumnavigated Australia.
Gordon Flake, chief executive of the Perth USAsia Centre, remarked on the historical significance of the maneuver, indicating it is intended to showcase China's long-range naval capabilities, sparking debates within Australia about its defense strategies and reliance on international allies.
On February 21, 2025, concerns escalated when these Chinese warships issued warnings to commercial flights during live-fire drills, prompting diversions and alerting regional security officials.
Richard Marles reassured the public on March 6, 2025, noting the Australian navy's proactive measures to monitor the Chinese naval task group's activities. His comments reflect broader anxieties about national security in light of increasingly assertive Chinese military behavior.
Australia’s Defence Department has confirmed the Chinese task group remains operational, continuing its patrols around Australia, with monitoring efforts intensifying from Western Australia nautical regions. This deployment has raised alarms over potential future Australian defense capabilities, prompting calls for stronger partnerships with allies, particularly the United States, as tensions escalate across the Indo-Pacific.