In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, as we welcome in the new year, we take the chance to look back at some of our best coverage from across the Asia-Pacific region and the military training sector.

Asia Pacific 2020 highlights [00:44] 

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Shephard’s Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to wrap up some of the main news from his region in 2020.

Last year coverage saw a great focus on China in the context of the Sino-Indian border dispute which culminated with an academic in China claiming the People’s Liberation Army employed a microwave weapon against Indian troops at Lake Pangong during the ongoing Eastern Ladakh border dispute.

If the alleged claim is true,  this would be the first use of microwave weapons in combat.

2020 was also a crucial year for Indonesian efforts to boost its capabilities, for example with procurement of new frigates from Europe and Japan. 

North Korea’s military spectacular night-time parade made the headlines in October because of the wide array of weapons on display, including a colossal road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile.

What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. 

Military Training 2020 highlights [22:12] 

Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano talks to Military Training Editor Trevor Nash to discuss some of the main technologies, programmes and new systems in training and simulation, including Trevor’s takeaways from the 2020 virtual I/ITSEC show.