New Serbian combat drones, Type 26 update and Asia Pacific round-up

In this episode of The Weekly Defence podcast we discuss all the news from the Asia Pacific and we talk to a Romanian Air Force senior officer to learn more about the how the country has successfully carried out numerous UN-led peacekeeping missions.

Newsround: (00:28)

The UK is moving forward on the acquisition of eight Type 26 frigates, three years into the programme. Senior Editor Richard Thomas discusses all the details on the story.

News Editor Ben Vogel catches up on Russia’s new plans to start production for new laser weapons. Even though most of the information about current projects remain secretive, local military analysts confirm that work is under way. 

The Serbian Air Force reached a new milestone as new Chinese-made CH-92A armed UAVs were delivered to the country on 4 July. Air Editor Tim Martin reports all the details on the technological equipment of these UAVs and discusses the potential political reaction that may arise.

The UK MoD has confirmed plans to equip the British Army with new disruptive vehicle technology. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira investigates what these new vehicles will include, amid uncertainty over how the programme will be funded. 

Deep dive: news from the Asia Pacific (17:40)

Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the show this week, for the monthly catch up on all the news from this crucial region.

After Chinese and Indian troops engaged in savage hand-to-hand fighting in the Sino-Indian border last month, Gordon examines the current climate after three weeks of ongoing tensions, new military equipment the two countries have been looking at, and the wider political impact. 

Australia has released two documents as part of the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan. The documents highlight challenges the country might face and give information on procurement plans. 

In New Zealand, The Royal New Zealand Navy received the biggest vessel in its history on 26 June, when replenishment ship HMZS Aotearos arrived in Auckland. 

Interview: Romania Air Force Commander (39:21)

Tim Martin conducts an exclusive interview with Cdr Ioan Mischie, commander of the Romanian Air Force, to learn more about the country's  success in UN-led missions  enhanced by the use of BrightNite-equipped IAR 300 Puma helicopters.

This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano 

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest