The Grumpy Strategists The Iran war: Australia joins the "Coalescing of the Partly Willing"
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Mar 10, 2026 They dig into the expanding Iran war and how multiple US partners are being pulled into a messy patchwork of roles. They debate the legality and human cost of naval strikes and submarine conduct. They unpack global missile supply strains and how munitions shortfalls reshape timelines. They run through Australia’s constrained naval, missile and sustainment choices and costly defence procurement trade offs.
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Sinking Of IRIS DENA Raises Legal And Moral Questions
- Marcus and Michael discuss the sinking of the IRIS DENA and legal questions about sinking ships in wartime.
- Marcus argues sinking an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean was lawful within the state of war, though rescue procedures remain unclear.
Missile Shortages Stretch Replacement Timelines
- Global missile supply chains are strained and lead times are years long, so giving away or expending missiles has long-term consequences.
- Shoebridge notes AMRAAM orders take 4–8 years for non-US buyers and earlier US orders were slated for delivery in 2029.
Interceptors Are Being Expended At Shock Rates
- Early high usage rates of expensive interceptors are depleting inventories rapidly.
- The hosts cite a study estimating 700 high-end interceptors used in 36 hours and Gulf states firing ~250 Patriot PAC-3s in that window.