Podcasts & Specials

RAF diversity recruitment drive – were mistakes made? 

The Ministry of Defence has admitted "some mistakes were made" after reports of a recruitment drive favouring women and ethnic minorities.

BFBS Sitrep hears the opinions of a former female RAF fighter pilot and asks a legal expert what is and isn’t acceptable when you’re trying to reach diversity targets.

And - the untold stories of Colditz prisoner of war camp… what really happened there behind the stirring tales of escape?

Has the war in Ukraine reached a turning point? 

The whole programme is devoted to the war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian ambassador to the UK tells Sitrep that President Putins’s announcement that Russia is mobilising around 300 thousand military reservists is a sign he feels he might be losing the war. He also tells the programme that President Putin is blackmailing the international community by appearing to raise the threat of nuclear weapons.

Sitrep will also hear how the fighting is going on the ground from a reporter who’s just returned from the region around Kharkiv in the North -East of Ukraine and seen the devastation caused by the Russian invasion.

And a panel discusses the choices facing both Russia and Ukraine militarily and strategically in the months to come. Russia expert Bridget Kendall tells us that she thinks Putin may turn to targeting more of Ukraine’s infrastructure – including fuel and water - as the winter starts to bite. 

King Charles III – Commander in Chief 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Commander in Chief of the UK’s Armed Forces for just over 70 years, now that job falls to her eldest son.

BFBS Sitrep talks to a former head of The Army who knows King Charles III well, and we listen to one of his recent speeches to troops to assess what kind of Commander in Chief he will be.

As we examine The Queen’s military legacy we talk to Sharon Turton about being personally presented the Elizabeth Cross in honour of her fallen husband, Kris.

Plus how has Ukraine recaptured thousands of square miles in a matter of days? A former British commander will explain, and assess what they should do next. 

New PM, a new era for Defence? 

Liz Truss promised big on Defence in her campaign to replace Boris Johnson – now she has to deliver.

BFBS Sitrep assesses what a big uplift in the defence budget could be spent on, how she will handle the Ukraine war, and whether the forces are facing another shake up.

Russia expected to win in Ukraine within days, six months on it needs millions more rockets and shells and it’s turned to North Korea to supply them. But how good are those munitions?

And a former member of the SBS tells us the extraordinary story of how he’s rebuilt his life after being shot in the neck, and paralysed.

EXTRA – ‘Never will I die’ 

A former member of the SBS shares his remarkable story with BFBS Sitrep.

It was Toby Gutteridge’s dream job, but then it tore his life apart.

He was shot in the neck in Afghanistan, leaving him paralysed.

13 years on he runs his own clothing business, and has just written his autobiography.

From getting selected for special forces, through the incident that almost killed him, to a breakdown and rebuilding of his life he tells us how he’s been given a second chance that he won’t throw away.

‘Adversarial’ compensation system under fire. 

The compensation system for injured service personnel has been accused of ‘lacking humanity’ after an assessment panel was heard laughing at a claimant.

A veteran turned journalist tells BFBS Sitrep it’s far from a one off, as the government promises improvements.

Defence Intelligence has a new chief, and for the first time it’s a civilian. We ask if that matters as we investigate the job of Defence Intelligence.

And we assess the military legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev, the final Soviet leader who thawed the cold war and allowed the map of Europe to be redrawn.

When will the Ukraine war end? 

When Russia invaded Ukraine we thought it would probably be over in days. That was 6 months ago. So how, and when will it end?

BFBS Sitrep gets the assessments of experienced military minds, the Armed Forces Minister, and our own Professor Michael Clarke.

Thousands of Afghans who worked with British Forces were promised new lives in the UK, but a year on many are still in limbo living in hotels. We hear how it’s affecting them and ask who is responsible for sorting it.

And a former Royal Marine shares his story of bluffing and negotiating with the Taliban to get top Japanese diplomats, his team, and himself out of Kabul.

Extra – ‘Surrounded by the Taliban’ 

Former Royal Marine H Collins led the last diplomatic team out Kabul’s green zone as the Taliban marched on the city.

He was responsible for the safety of Japan’s top diplomats, and dozens of colleagues.

But hours after getting them to his security company’s HQ they were surrounded, and then had to choose between fighting their way out or negotiating with insurgents wearing suicide vests.

He shares his remarkable story with Sian​ Grzeszczyk in this extra edition of BFBS Sitrep.

NATO ‘ready to intervene’ in Kosovo 

The EU is hosting crisis talks, trying to prevent a new conflict between Serbia and Kosovo.

NATO’s KFOR mission, including British troops, still has a UN peacekeeping mandate in Kosovo but what could trigger their intervention?

Has the balance of power shifted in favour of Ukraine, as Russia takes two significant hits in annexed Crimea? A former Commanding General of the US Army Europe gives us his assessment.

And the incredible story of British, Dutch and Australian prisoners of war who survived the Nagasaki atomic bomb, little more than a mile from where it landed.

Afghanistan one year on 

12 months since the Taliban swept back into power BFBS Sitrep assesses what the return of the militants has meant for our security, the people of Afghanistan, and those who had worked for Britain but could not escape.

Despite Taliban promises not to shelter international terrorists the head of Al Qaeda was found in Kabul, and killed last week by the US, so does Afghanistan pose a threat to the UK once more?

We hear from Lynne O’Donnell, who has reported from Afghanistan across more than 2 decades, about life in the country now and being taken at gunpoint by Taliban officials.

And the government says hundreds of people, including former interpreters, approved to come to the UK are still in Afghanistan. We talk to a former Army officer who’s been trying to get people to safety.

EXTRA – Detained by the Taliban 

Journalist Lynne O’Donnell gives us a rare first-hand insight into how the Taliban is operating in Afghanistan.

That insight has come at a cost, her life threatened as she was detained by officials, despite entering Afghanistan with a media visa.

She tells BFBS Sitrep how it was deeply frightening and yet ‘darkly satirical’, revealing incompetence and chaos.

China conducts live fire military exercises off Taiwan. 

China says it will punish those who offend it as it launches live fire military drills off the coast of Taiwan. Sitrep looks at China’s tactics and how the United States is responding.  

What role are cyber attacks playing in the war in Ukraine? And what are the lessons for the UK? Sitrep speaks to the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, who also discusses the difference between Russian and Chinese cyber capabilities.

And Sitrep has a tour aboard the Royal Navy’s unique testbed ship which is designed to support trials of the latest tech and autonomous systems.

China or Russia – which is the bigger military threat? 

China has just overtaken counter-terrorism as the biggest effort inside MI6, and the head of the Royal Navy says China is a bigger long term threat than Russia.

BFBS Sitrep examines a list of top level warnings issued this week about the risk of conflict with China, and asks if Ukraine has taken our eye off the ball.

As Ukraine tries to retake the port city of Kherson we talk to an MP who’s just visited the country.

And a year after he quit the government over the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, Johnny Mercer tells us why he’s returned as Veterans Minister.

EXTRA: ‘The world has changed’ 

In less than a year war has broken out in Europe, and Afghanistan has fallen to the Taliban.

MPs say that means the UK’s new defence masterplan is already out of date, leaving British forces overstretched, vulnerable and too small.

They Ministry of Defence says it will continue to adapt strategy, but the Commons Defence Committee wants a major update to the plan now.

The committee’s chairman, Tobias Ellwood MP, talks to James Hirst about the impact on service personnel, his recent visit to Ukraine, and whether it’s the threats or our perceptions that have changed.

Britain’s next fighter jet – science fiction, or flying fact? 

Scientists have spent years researching concepts including laser weapons and brain sensors for a new RAF plane called ‘Tempest’.

Now ministers want those ideas turned into a working plane in just 5 years, but is it a gamble with the UK’s air capability?

As British service personnel are banned from buying sex overseas BFBS Sitrep hears how brothels used to be unofficial parts of UK bases abroad.

And we follow soldiers on exercise in an abandoned tower block in Leeds, as the Ukraine war demonstrates the need for urban combat experience which the army has little of.

The race to be PM – what’s at stake for defence? 

The early days of the campaign to succeed Boris Johnson have seen a bidding war on defence spending from those hoping to replace him.

BFBS Sitrep assess the defence legacy Mr Johnson will leave his successor and the challenges they’ll face.

A former head of the Army tells us what he wants from whoever becomes the next Prime Minister.

We also hear from two very different cities in Ukraine as we assess the state of the war there, and ask if the country’s plan to open new battlefront and retake the South is a risk too far.

Understanding suicide 

Although cases of people serving in the armed forces taking their own lives are low – among men in the army the figures have been rising in recent years.

Among some very specific groups of veterans the risk of suicide appears to be much higher – particularly younger men who only served a short time in the forces.

As the government carries out research to understand why, BFBS Sitrep talks to a leading psychiatrist, a veteran with PTSD, and a campaigner who lost her husband to suicide about the true picture of suicide risks, how we can improve support, and the ways to help or get help.

For more information visit bfbs.com/audience-support

Mobilising the Army for war in Europe 

The head of the Army has told his troops that they have a new main effort – Operation Mobilise.

We’ll examine the plan for more of the Army to be ready more of the time for a high intensity war, and what that means for servicemen and women.

NATO wants to make its high-readiness force more than seven times bigger, up to 300,000 troops, in little more than a year. But can it deliver?

The diplomatic niceties have been dropped, leaders are upfront about Russia, so is it time to admit we’re in a second cold war?

Opening shots from the new head of the Army 

The new Chief of General Staff has written to all soldiers saying they must be prepared to fight in Europe and defeat Russia in battle – so are we not ready for that right now?

The internal letter has reached much further – BFBS Sitrep assesses its impact in Westminster, across the continent, and in the Kremlin.

The Dutch Prime Minister has apologised to his country’s peacekeepers who were sent on an ‘impossible’ mission with ‘inadequate’ equipment in Bosnia in the 1990s. We hear how that war has also affected Britons who had to fight for their lives.

And is it time to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear power, amid signs the isolated communist state is about to carry out its 7^thnuclear weapon test?

Ukraine pleads for more western weapons 

Ukraine says it urgently needs more weapons and ammunition from the west.

BFBS Sitrep speaks to journalist Nicola Smith who’s on the ground near the biggest battleground and tells us about the tragedy unfolding in front of her.

Professor Michael Clark explains why although weapons are on the way they won’t make an immediate difference.

In Finland our reporter is with a Joint Expeditionary Force exercise where Ukraine is on everyone’s mind.

And what do new soldiers want from the new head of the army as he starts his first week in the job?

Why did Britain win the Falklands conflict? 

40 years on from the liberation of the Falklands BFBS Sitrep hears the story of the final hours from those who were there – and examines the lessons of the conflict.

The man who marched 3 Commando Brigade across miles of mud tells us how logistic difficulties left ammunition in the wrong place at the wrong time, putting individual operations on hold.

The war might have been avoided if Britain hadn’t failed to convince Argentina it would defend the Falklands – is that a lesson we’ve actually learned in the era of war in Ukraine?

And Professor Michael Clarke explains how modern warship designs owe much to the lessons of the Falklands campaign.

Is Russia making a breakthrough in Ukraine 

3 months after invading Ukraine, Russia appears to be on the brink of its first significant strategic victory – taking the whole of Luhansk province.

Is this a turning point in the war, and is Ukraine now fighting a losing battle in that territory?

BFBS Sitrep also digs into what the public at large are asking about the war – and Professor Michael Clarke will provide answers.

Ukraine’s food exports usually feed 400 million people but are now blockaded. The former Commander of a British warship tells us how the Royal Navy might help.

And has Joe Biden let the cat out of the bag on how the US would respond if Taiwan were invaded by China.

Forcing out the invaders 

The daring amphibious landings of thousands of British troops was arguably the most perilous and pivotal moment of the Falklands war.

40 years on BFBS Sitrep hears from key figures about how and why it enabled the liberation of the islands.

But at sea 22 lives were lost in the operation, the man who was Captain of HMS Ardent tells us the story of its sinking, and how it still occasionally gives him nightmares.

And as we assess the latest developments in Ukraine we ask if history has any lessons for Vladimir Putin as he’s accused of micromanaging Russia’s ‘special military operation’

Extra – ‘I lost 22 of my boys, I never intended that I’d lose my ship’ 

Commander Alan West was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his pivotal role in the Falklands war.

His ship HMS Ardent was sunk with the loss of 22 lives – but it helped the thousands of troops who liberated the islands get safely ashore.

Even as the crew battled fires and tended the wounded the ship sailed to more open waters, to draw out the Argentine fighter jets.

Now Admiral Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, tells BFBS Sitrep the full story of that day, the responsibility he still feels to his ship’s company, his pride at their bravery, and how 40 years on he still has occasional nightmares about it.

Finland’s dangerous wait to join NATO 

Finland has entered a ‘grey zone’, defying Russia to apply for NATO membership, but not yet covered by the alliance’s mutual defence guarantees.

Hours before the announcement the UK signed a mutual security agreement with Finland – so what is the risk we’ll be called on to defend the country before it becomes a NATO member?

As we analyse the latest developments in the Ukraine war we’ll explain why the tiny Snake Island, in the Black Sea, has become a key battlefront.

France is pulling its military mission out of Mali after 9 years, but what does that mean for the 300 British peacekeepers deployed there with the UN.

And we go training with Commando Gunners of the future as the regiment marks its 60^th anniversary.

What’s the Ukraine war doing to Russia? 

We know all too well what Russia’s invasion is doing to Ukraine – the catastrophic loss of lives, the physical devastation, and also the national resolve to fight back.

But what is this war doing to Russia?

BFBS Sitrep assesses the UK’s latest claim that Russia’s military is now significantly weaker for the long term.

We also look at the financial hit to its economy and how could that affect the Kremlin’s ‘special military operation’

And what of the political consequences – could significant military losses eventually fuel a palace-coup at the Kremlin?

Is India playing off the UK with Russia? 

Boris Johnson has just done a new defence deal with India – which imports most of its military hardware from Russia and won’t condemn the invasion of Ukraine.

BFBS Sitrep examines why India’s sitting on the fence over Europe’s biggest conflict since WW2, and asks why it’s worth the UK making this deal.

Professor of Defence Studies Michael Clarke assesses whether the Ukraine conflict could be spreading to neighbouring Moldova.

And the leader of Iraq’s new all-female de-mining team tells us how the death of her brother, in an explosion, drives her work.

Has Russia learned from its mistakes in Ukraine? 

The Ukraine war has moved into phase 2, but will it be a turning point for a Russian campaign that’s had no real success so far?

Instead of trying to take the whole country at once, Moscow’s forces are now concentrated on taking the East.

We’ll hear from close to the new 300 mile battlefront and explain why the Donbas region has always been at the very heart of this war.

And Marine Le Pen is in touching distance of becoming France’s next president – but what would victory for the far right candidate mean for our defence and security?

The amateur investigators revealing Russia’s secrets 

From the size and location of massive Russian convoys, to the serial numbers of missiles used in strikes, we all have access to unprecedented detail of the Ukraine war.

An army of amateur analysts are gathering, checking and sharing OSINT - Open Source Intelligence - which details the fight as it happens. One of them tells us how and why he does it.

Finland and Sweden could be weeks away from applying for NATO membership – but would that be good for the alliance, or an extra burden?

And we talk to the Falklands veteran who’s telling the story of that war in real time on Twitter.

EXTRA – What is OSINT and how has it changed war forever? 

By day Kyle Glen works an office job for a clinical research company.

By night he gathers and analyses intelligence that can reveal the truth about wars around the world, and debunk fake news.

Kyle is one of a growing army of amateur analysts working on OSINT (open-source intelligence) – which he shares on the @ConflictNews twitter account, and the OSINT Bunker podcast.

In this extra edition of BFBS Sitrep he explains how it was OSINT that successfully warned the world of Russia’s plan to invade Ukraine, and tells Kate Gerbeau how and why he became an amateur intelligence analyst.

Investigating murder and mutilation in Ukraine 

A catalogue of atrocities is emerging where Russian forces have withdrawn from parts of Ukraine. Film-maker Emile Ghessen tells us about the harrowing scenes he’s witnessed in Bucha.

The evidence of war crimes appears compelling – mass graves, bodies of people whose hands have been tied lying in streets. But how do you prove who is responsible?

A former war crimes prosecutor explains to us how investigators are already gathering evidence in the midst of conflict, and how social media could prove crucial.

And 40 years since Britain’s task force sailed to retake the Falkland Islands a veteran journalist gives us an extraordinary insight into the Argentinian dictatorship that had invaded – a regime that nearly murdered him, then treated him as an honoured guest.

Kidnapped by the Junta. 

Julian Manyon experienced the start of the Falklands war from enemy territory.

He’d been despatched to Argentina to report on the military dictatorship that had invaded a British overseas territory.

First the regime kidnapped him at gunpoint – but hours later he was being treated as an honoured guest by the country’s leader, then wined and dined by top brass.

He recounts his story, and his unique insights into Argentina’s leader, to Kate Gerbeau.

Russian Army's Weaknesses 

On this week’s Sitrep there’s been much talk of the weaknesses in the Russian Army, one of the reasons being suggested is their lack of a Non Commissioned Officer rank. We’ll hear from one well know former NCO in the British Army ‘Big’ Phil Campion and Russian military historian Chris Bellamy

Also, what is it with Russians and alleged poisoning plots? With claims that individuals have recently been a victim of poisoning, we’ll talk to a chemical weapons expert Hamish De Bretton Gordon who’ll look at the history and effectiveness of poisoning.

The US has been showing off its latest high tech aircraft. The Growler is designed The jets jam and destroy enemy air defence radar. We have a special report from Simon Newton

An we’ll hear about a new and probably final home for the RAF’s ‘celebrity chinook’ Bravo November..

What Makes Foreign Fighters Tick? 

On this week’s Sitrep we delve into the minds of foreign fighters. What makes someone who’ served in the military or is just a civilian want to go and fight in a conflict overseas, such as Ukraine. We’ll hear from Emile Ghessen has met many of them, he was a Royal Marine but is now a documentary film maker and is in Kyiv.

We’ll also be discussing war crimes….there have been a lot of allegations made against Russian forces, But, what actually constitutes a war crime and how easy are they to pursue?

We’ll look again at the recent Defence Review…is it now out of date given the change of emphasis because of Ukraine?

And…Exercise Halo Rise…showing off the Army’s use of information and cyber operations. A special report from Tim Cooper on the work of 6^th United Kingdom Division.

Has Putin accidentally achieved what Donald Trump couldn’t? 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may be stalled, but it’s already reset Europe’s security thinking for decades to come. Germany appears to have abandoned its reluctance to be a big military power and has started a defence spending spree. German born Baroness Gisela Stuart tells us why it’s a seismic shift, and we assess what military capability it will buy.

As well as spending more, NATO countries are doing more. BFBS Sitrep joins an RAF air policing patrol close to the border of Ukraine, and hears from Estonia where extended tours of duty are boosting British troop numbers.

And Professor Michael Clarke talks us through the state of play, and strategic options, on the ground in Ukraine.

Extra – Keir Starmer on Ukraine and standing up to ‘bully’ president Putin. 

The Labour leader’s visited Estonia to meet British troops and show British political unity against Russia, and in support of NATO and Ukraine.

He talks to Kate Gerbeau from Estonia on whether the UK’s approach to Vladimir Putin should be more forceful, what would happen if a chemical attack was launched in Ukraine, and whether Britain needs an urgent increase in defence spending. 

Inside Ukraine’s capital – braced for invasion. 

Kyiv may be the decisive city of the war for Ukraine’s future – so what is happening there right now? BFBS Sitrep talks to a former Royal Marine turned film-maker about what he’s witnessing as Moscow’s troops advance on the capital.

More than 3,500 anti-tank missiles from the UK have now reached Ukrainian troops – we look at what the NLAW and Javelin can do for the country’s fightback.

And they say ‘know your enemy’, so who is Vladimir Putin? We hear the story behind Russia’s President and how it drives his actions.

Has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gone wrong? 

We thought Russia’s invasion would overwhelm Ukraine within 72 hours. A week on Moscow’s forces have claimed control of just one city.

So what’s gone wrong for the Kremlin? Could old maps, and archaic radios be part of Russia’s problem?

We assess how much military capability each side has lost from the battlefield, and what cards Ukraine has to play as cities come under siege.

President Putin’s nuclear option includes battlefield weapons, would he really use them and how devastating would that be?

Plus why Defence Intelligence has come out of the shadows and into the limelight, as part of the UK’s response.

Russia invades Ukraine – History repeating? 

Russia has launched a full frontal military assault on Ukraine, sending troops and tanks in from 3 directions. BFBS Sitrep assesses Moscow’s military strategy and what it can tell us about how this may play out.

We also compare President Putin’s playbook in the lead-up to this invasion with what happened in Georgia in 2008, and guess what, it looks remarkably similar.

What can the UK do now to help Ukraine, is military action really off the table, and what is the risk of NATO getting drawn in anyway?

Ukraine - What just happened? 

Russia says it’s pulling troops back from Ukraine’s borders, the west says the buildup’s getting bigger.

BFBS Sitrep talks to a former British Ambassador, and a former Moscow Correspondent to make sense of the competing claims and assess the state of the Ukraine stand off.

A Defence Minister tells us why the UK is doubling its military assistance to NATO members in Eastern Europe, and whether that fits with calls for ‘de-escalation’

And we compare the size of Ukraine’s armed forces with Russia’s military machine to see if it could fend off an invasion.

Extra: Armed Forces Minister on Ukraine 

In a rollercoaster 24 hours the UK went from warning an invasion of Ukraine could start ‘at any moment’ to expressing cautious optimism about a Russian pullback.

In this extra edition of BFBS Sitrep Kate Gerbeau talks in depth to the UK’s Armed Forces Minister James Heappey.

He tells us it’s his ‘expectation’ that British training troops, pulled out of Ukraine a few days ago, will return providing security conditions on the ground are met.

He also discusses Russia’s claims that the west has been ‘humiliated’ by the failure of ‘war propaganda’, and says we must be able to hear ‘in good faith’ what Russia is saying.

Them and Us – Is China trying to divide the world? 

China has called for the UK to hand the Falklands to Argentina, and says NATO’s got too big. This week BFBS Sitrep asks if Beijing has used the Winter Olympics to set out a divide-and-rule strategy, or if it’s just repackaging its old partnerships?

The head of the Army explains why he ordered non-essential work to stop for a day, to talk about teamwork, and an expert in cultural change gives his verdict on the effort to modernise attitudes.

Estonian soldiers tell us about working with their British counterparts at Europe’s ‘most dangerous moment’ in decades.

Is ‘Havana Syndrome’ a case of mass hysteria among US diplomats, or the result of energy-weapon attacks? We examine the latest research.

‘Alexa – Can sanctions prevent war in Ukraine?’ 

The UK and its western allies are threatening historically harsh sanctions to try to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. BFBS Sitrep examines what sanctions might be taken, what history tells us about whether they work, and how we might feel the effects of those sanctions too.

We also look at the part played by sanctions in Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis where people are selling their children, and even vital organs, as they struggle to survive.

And on the eve of the Beijing Winter Olympics will the games boost the communist nation’s international influence further, or does a western diplomatic boycott turn sport into a political football?

‘You can’t hug the Russians to death’ 

Ukraine’s government is urging its citizens to stay calm, but preparing its forces for war. BFBS Sitrep asks where we should be looking for signs of a possible Russian invasion, and hears from Ukraine about the mood among the people... including two Britons who have joined the Ukrainian army.

Also as the UK says it could send more troops to Eastern Europe, the deputy head of Estonia’s armed forces gives us his view on the Ukraine Crisis.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates has come under attack from drones and ballistic missiles – we’ll explain why. And does 10 Downing Street need some military-leadership behind the famous black door to get it back on track?

Falsehood – the first weapon of war? 

The US claims Russia plans a ‘false flag’ operation in Ukraine to justify an invasion. The UK’s defence secretary speaks out against ‘false narratives’ from President Putin.

BFBS Sitrep explains the information war being fought over Ukraine, and asks a former NATO spokesman if sending British weapons to the country hands ammunition for disinformation to Moscow.

Why are just 5 of the 1500 most senior Armed Forces officers Black-Caribbean or Asian?

And BFBS Reporter Simon Newton takes us on a journey to the Antarctic with Defence’s climate-change champion.

‘Bomb disposal is boring’ 

Decorated former bomb-disposal operator Kim Hughes talks at length to Kate Gerbeau about how Hollywood portrays the job and what it’s actually like.

Since leaving the Army in 2020 he’s worked as a consultant on films, and has written two thrillers “Operation Black Key” and “Operation Certain Death”.

He tells BFBS Sitrep about his three tours of duty in Afghanistan – how you defuse a bomb, what you do if a firefight breaks out, and when you decide to walk away.

And he tells us why films like The Hurt Locker are ‘horrendous’ on detail, but would look like ‘watching paint dry’ if they were realistic.

Russia sizes up NATO 

Moscow is demanding NATO admits absolutely no new members – but could that demand be backfiring?

We hear from Sweden and Finland, where after years of staunch ‘non-alignment’, they’re now seriously considering joining the alliance.

James Hirst fact checks President Putin’s claim, and NATO’s denial, that the alliance promised decades ago not to move ‘one inch to the East’.

What’s the difference between bomb-disposal in Helmand, and in Hollywood? A decorated former soldier tells us how he’s swapped his body armour for books, film and TV.

And a former deputy head of the Army tells us how service charities are coping with the pressures of Covid, and extra demand because of Afghanistan.

The Sitrep Crystal Ball 

What’s going to happen in 2022, where and why?

Will Ukraine be invaded or can big talks next week dial down the tension?

Why has Russia sent troops to Kazakhstan and will it become the first new international crisis of the year?

Does China really want to use its growing military, or is it just for show?

Professor Michael Clarke, and Dr Melanie Garson will help navigate us through the potential trouble spots of the next 12 months.

Good year/Bad year? 

2021 – the year that Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump, took international troops out of Afghanistan, and the Taliban swept back to power.

The final Sitrep of the year examines the key events of the last twelve months, and what they mean for the UK and the world.

Britain’s first carrier strike group deployment in a decade, HMS Defender’s run-in with Russia in the Black Sea, and the defence review that shrinks the Army again but promises new high-tech planes and vehicles in years to come.

So who has had a good year, and who’s had a bad one? And what can the world expect in 2022? 

Left behind – what’s happened to the people Britain didn’t rescue from Afghanistan? 

Four months since the Taliban marched back to power in Afghanistan Sitrep hears from three interpreters who had worked with UK forces, but who couldn’t get on evacuation flights.

After a whistleblower alleged chaos in the Foreign Office has cost lives, a Conservative MP has branded it a ‘failure of statecraft’, but has it done lasting damage for future military operations?

Domestic abuse accounts for around one in eight cases handled by the Army Welfare Service – they tell us how they can help turn things round.

And author Toby Harnden lifts the lid on how the CIA and SBS laid the groundwork in Afghanistan for the 2001 US-led invasion.

Can a smaller army be more lethal? 

It is ‘the biggest modernisation of the Army for a generation’ according to ministers – but can it deliver? This week on Sitrep we look through the details of the ‘Future Soldier’ plan for the Army to spend more time deployed around the globe. We assess whether billions of pounds of new technology can make up for smaller numbers of people and tanks.

Defence is to make an ‘immeasurable shift’ in the way it handles complaints about sexual behaviour after thousands of women gave evidence of their experiences in the forces. One woman shares her story with Sitrep, and the MP who led an inquiry tells us it’s a victory for those who have spoken out.

And do we have to accept hearing damage as an occupational hazard of serving your country? We learn what it’s like for the hundreds of thousands of veterans whose hearing has been damaged, and look at what can be done to cut the risks.

What’s it like to be a fighter pilot in combat? 

Former RAF Typhoon pilot Mike Sutton tells us about his time flying sorties over Iraq on Operation Shader in 2015. From the cramped conditions of the cockpit, to close shaves with enemy fire and friendly aircraft.

Also on Sitrep we hear from one of the British Airways passengers held as human shields by Iraq in 1990, before the first Gulf War, and investigate who a mystery group of men on that flight really were.

Bosnia is in crisis once more, with fears the state could collapse and a new armed conflict emerge, we’ll explain why.

And from Premier League footballers, to chemical weapons experts, we hear about Britain’s ‘persuaders’ who help the UK maintain its soft-power around the globe.

‘Do not screw this up’ – A fighter pilot’s story 

Former RAF Typhoon pilot Mike Sutton talks at length to Kate Gerbeau about his time on combat sorties over Iraq on Operation Shader, what it was like to be high in the sky witnessing friends under attack on the ground, how bombing missions worked, and his close brushes with lethal danger.

Mike also tells Kate how he became a fighter pilot, despite initially being rejected by the RAF, and how he still gets to fly fast jets as a civilian.

The race to recover Britain’s crashed F35 

After an F35, flying from HMS Queen Elizabeth, crashed into the Mediterranean the pilot ejected and was safely recovered to the Aircraft carrier.

In this week’s Sitrep we look at the two most urgent tasks now, to find out why the crash happened, and to recover the plane which is packed with top-secret technology that the UK does not want enemies to get a glimpse of.

Blowing up a satellite, massing troops near Ukraine, and getting involved in a migrant crisis. We ask what is Russia up to?

A world leading expert tells us why he’s changed his mind on the risk of a biological terror attack.

And we have the story of a world-record flight using a fuel made from nothing but air and water. We ask the manufacturer of the UK’s fighter jet engines if the fuel really could power a carbon-neutral Royal Air Force.

The Army’s Culture Problem 

The Army’s top officers are summoned to discuss ‘disciplinary mistakes’, especially harassment and abuse of women. The outgoing Chief of Defence Staff acknowledges ‘laddish culture’ is encouraged because soldiers have to go ‘close and personal’ with the enemy.

In this week’s Sitrep we ask if that culture is necessary for a fighting force, and whether an independent audit of Army culture will be enough to deliver a promised cultural shift?

We also examine how Belarus may be ‘weaponising’ migration to destabilise the European Union, and investigate how an off the shelf drone was used in an assassination attempt.

And on the 100th Anniversary of Remembrance and the Poppy Appeal, a veteran tells us why it’s still very relevant for him.

A ‘war-footing’ for the Climate Crisis 

World leaders talk big at COP26 on trying to avert a spiralling environmental catastrophe – but some key players are missing.

The Defence Secretary says militaries would have to deal with the consequences of a failed climate change policy.

In this week’s Sitrep – we examine the hopes of success or failure, and ask a former UK ambassador to the UN whether a ‘wartime mentality’ could help.

We’ll also dig into the murky data on just how much carbon emissions come from militaries... and how that might change.

Also this week we’ll examine the significance of RAF jets flying from Israeli soil for the first time since the country’s independence.

And we ask – is it time for an Afghanistan inquiry, or did the experience of Iraq teach us that there are better ways to learn lessons?

Cutting the cash for landmine clearance 

The Mine Advisory Group says plans to cut back on government funding for landmine clearance is catastrophic...we’ll hear from the CEO of ‘MAG’ and a former British soldier working on the ground for them in Iraq. 

...there’s fresh anger over Afghanistan...the RAF has airlifted 102 people who fled Afghanistan to a neighbouring country to the UK, but, is that an impressive number or surprisingly low?. We talk that through with Professor Michael Clarke. 

It’s fifty years since Britain first put a rocket containing a satellite into space...we’ll look back at the Black Arrow project and find out why it was cancelled. 

And...the Army has quit smoking! All sites in the UK will go tobacco free by the end of next year.

The new race for space 

China denies testing a new hypersonic missile — a potential new threat in space. 

Meanwhile North Korea tests a new, submarine-launched, missile, sparking more concerns over its ambitions. 

In this week’s Sitrep, how should the west respond to both events? 

Foreign affairs analyst Tim Marshall explains how geography can help predict future conflict zones. 

Plus we hear from the author of a new report on domestic violence inside military relationships, and a woman who left her husband after he turned violent. 

And we look back at the life of Colin Powell, the first African-American to lead the US military.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian catastrophe 

Hundreds of Afghan interpreters, who worked with British forces in the country, remain stranded after the end of the international evacuation mission. 

In this week’s Sitrep, we hear from two of them, and an expert on the country, who got out as the Taliban advanced on Kabul, tells us why it’s so vital to restore humanitarian aid. 

The militia leader once dubbed Iraq’s most dangerous man is now a key powerbroker in the country — we get an update on elections to the Iraqi parliament, and what could happen next. 

Is war an essential part of being human? We hear from a historian who says we’re making a big mistake by not studying war and its effects. 

And we find out about new research to try to establish why military personnel are twice as likely as civilians to faint.

Britain’s new military leader 

As Admiral Sir Tony Radakin is announced as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, what challenges await the new leader of Britain’s armed forces? 

One issue in his in-tray could be the growing crisis in Taiwan, whose leaders warn relations with China are worse now than they’ve been for forty years. 

This week, we get the picture from Taipei, and find out what’s behind China’s latest moves. 

The man in charge of the Centre for Army Leadership tells us about his book, detailing the lessons that could be applied in the boardroom or the classroom. 

And we report from Belize, where Sandhurst instructors are helping to train future military leaders.

The 4th Emergency Service? 

The Government turns to the forces to help resolve the fuel crisis that’s seen huge queues at petrol stations across the UK. 

It’s not the first time the military’s been asked to step in during an emergency at home — are we becoming too reliant on the forces to bolster civilian authorities? And do we need a US-style National Guard on stand-by? 

America’s military chiefs publicly contradict President Biden, insisting they did warn him not to pull all US troops out of Afghanistan — we hear what they had to say to Senators in Washington. 

With the race to be the next Chief of the Defence Staff said to be wide open, how long should our military chiefs stay in their jobs? And does the whole military career structure need a shake-up? 

And we find out about the man most likely to be Germany’s next Chancellor, and what it means for the country’s relationship with NATO allies.

Will AUKUS make it awkward for Britain and France? 

France has called the defence pact between Britain, the US and Australia a “stab in the back”, but will it do lasting damage to relations between the key allies? Sitrep speaks to a former National Security Adviser, who went on to be Britain’s ambassador in France. 

There’s also a report that warns nations like Russia and Turkey are stepping into conflict zones as western powers lose any appetite to intervene. 

And as gas prices surge across Europe, one expert explains why we should see it as a vital issue of energy security, and act before an even bigger crisis happens 

Plus, 40 years on from its independence, a special report from Belize, where Britain’s military never quite left…

Britain, US & Australia sign new defence pact 

What does the new AUKUS defence pact between Britain, the US and Australia mean?  

Leaders from the military, politics and the defence industry have been meeting in London over the past few days, and this week’s Sitrep reports from inside DSEI on promises of an integrated future for the forces. 

We’ll learn more about some of the cutting edge tech on display, and we hear from the Second Sea Lord on plans for the UK to project its power around the world. 

The minister responsible for defence procurement tells us how he hopes the problems with the Ajax armoured vehicle might be fixed and what future threats keep a leading expert on information warfare awake at night?

9/11 - 20 years on 

Days after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan comes the anniversary of the terrorist attack that sparked the invasion in 2001. 

How has the world changed since the 9/11 attacks? Is the west stronger or weaker? And are we any safer now than we were then? 

We hear from some of the British military personnel involved in the evacuation effort at Kabul airport, and find out what might happen to Britain’s nuclear deterrent if Scotland votes for independence in a second referendum. 

Plus the continuing problems with the Ajax armoured vehicles, and we look inside NATO’s newest command, designed to cover the alliance’s back in a crisis.

Watching Afghanistan from over the horizon 

Days after Britain’s last military personnel leave Afghanistan, the US completes its withdrawal and President Biden says America is not in the business of nation building anymore. 

But he also vows to strike back at ISIS-K from thousands of miles away — we explore how that will work, and how much the west will need the Taliban’s help. 

How deep is the division opened up between London and Washington by the withdrawal — and how long will it last? 

We hear from veterans on how they’ve handled the chaotic end of the 20-year campaign in Afghanistan. 

Plus we speak to the author who was determined to tell the stories of women who played a big part in the Second World War, before it’s too late.

Afghanistan: The final days 

As the western evacuation from Afghanistan enters its final phase, what are the key mistakes that led to the country’s fall to the Taliban? 

This week, we hear from an analyst who only left Kabul as the city was being taken over — she claims the US effectively sold out the Afghan government, and encouraged the Taliban to wait out the clock. 

We discuss what impact the withdrawal will have on other countries’ faith in western military powers, and whether it will prompt a fracture between the US and UK. 

Plus we ask what impact this last deployment in Afghanistan will have on the hundreds of British troops now pulling out of Kabul, and how it’s affecting veterans of the last twenty years.

Afghanistan’s collapse 

A special Sitrep examines the implications of the fall of Kabul, and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. 

We hear from a former Royal Marine still in Kabul, and a journalist who escaped on the day the Taliban entered the city. 

A former head of the Army tells us what it felt like to see Afghanistan fall, and we ask what America’s decision to withdraw could mean for its NATO allies. 

And we reflect on whether political leaders are right when they insist the near 20-year mission in Afghanistan was still worthwhile.

Afghanistan. The options? 

As the situation in Afghanistan worsens, we ask what are the realistic options to bring things back under control. 

We’ll hear from the former head of the UK’s Joint Forces Command, General Sir Richard Barrons... he thinks a return to UK boots on the ground isn’t the way forward but allied and Afghan air strikes could be. 

We’ll look at the impact of climate change on the military... how will it affect future conflict? The International Institute for Strategic Studies recently looked at how extreme weather could affect global security. We’ll talk to Ben Barry from the IISS. 

And... we hear from Army boxing Olympic medalist Kariss Artingstall... she’s back home after a very successful Tokyo 2020.

Afghanistan on the brink. 

A month after the bulk of remaining western forces pulled out of Afghanistan, the Taliban is on the rise. 

Fierce fighting has brought cities like Herat and Kandahar to the brink of collapsing to the militants. 

But the greatest danger is in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand -- where British forces fought against the Taliban for so many years. 

We hear from those who served in Afghanistan - including the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards, who tells Sitrep that the Government must set out what it will do to prevent the fall of the Afghan government. 

We'll also explore what could happen next after the fatal attack on a tanker off Oman -- blamed by western powers on Iran. 

And we'll find out about the bizarre case of military ships' positions being faked -- who might be doing it, and why?

“Truly Shocking” report highlights sexism in the military 

A damning report accuses military leaders of failing to protect female personnel from bullying, harassment and discrimination. 

An MPs investigation revealed the huge number of complaints, including allegations of serious sexual offences going unpunished. 

We hear from the MP who led the probe, and a 30-year Army veteran who resigned to highlight the issue - and we ask a defence minister what they’re going to do to improve things. 

Plus the US announces an end to combat operations in Iraq — but not for the first time. 

And as the Carrier Strike Group reaches the Indo-Pacific, what does our biggest ally make of it all?

Spanish boots on the rock? 

European officials want Spanish forces on the ground in Gibraltar policing the border — something both the UK and Gibraltar insist they won’t accept. We get the latest from the territory’s Chief Minister. 

Is your phone spying on you? After the revelations this week about spyware reportedly aimed at human rights campaigners, political and military leaders, we ask who should set the rules for modern surveillance? 

We hear from an expert in space defence on the huge vulnerability of western satellites, and the risks a future conflict could start far above the earth. 

And we pay tribute to a Dambusters pilot, who was determined to make sure a key contribution to the Second World War was never forgotten.

Drawing a line under the past 

The Government wants to halt all investigations and prosecutions linked to Northern Ireland’s past. But how can you move on from a conflict when some of its biggest crimes will go unpunished? 

Will the wars of the future be beyond the capacity of humans? We’ve a report on how new advances in AI and quantum computing could fundamentally change the nature of conflict. 

And as a global shortage of computer chips slows production, we find out how it’s become a national security issue. 

Plus we report from the Carrier Strike Group, and hear from the captain of the US warship that’s joined the HMS Queen Elizabeth. 

And what links Sandhurst’s first female college commander and Gareth Southgate’s remarkable England team?

Ending the “forever war” 

As the western military intervention in Afghanistan draws to an end, Sitrep looks back at the last 20 years, and asks what it will mean in the future. 

A former head of the Army tells us about “frustrating” conversations with ministers at the height of the fighting, while an MP who served in Afghanistan warns withdrawal will alarm Britain’s allies. 

We get an update from Kabul, and we hear how a small town became the focal point for Britain’s tribute to the lives lost in the conflict.

Ending the “forever war” 

As the western military intervention in Afghanistan draws to an end, Sitrep looks back at the last 20 years, and asks what it will mean in the future. 

A former head of the Army tells us about “frustrating” conversations with ministers at the height of the fighting, while an MP who served in Afghanistan warns withdrawal will alarm Britain’s allies. 

We get an update from Kabul, and we hear how a small town became the focal point for Britain’s tribute to the lives lost in the conflict.

The Bus Stop Document Dump 

How did sensitive MoD documents end up dumped by a bus stop in Kent? An accident? Or something more sinister? 

As China’s Communist Party marks its centenary, an expert on the country tells us what Britain’s getting right — and wrong — in the increasingly fractious relationship. 

We meet the former serviceman leading calls for a public inquiry into a fatal mid-air collision over Scotland. 

And we hear from Lieutenant Commander Pete Reed, as he continues his recovery from the spinal stroke which ended his world-beating rowing career.

Black Sea stand-offs and Glass ceilings 

What really happened when a British warship sailed close to Crimea? We try to cut through the conflicting stories. 

More than a decade after a report highlighted problems with bullying and sexual harassment, researchers say women in the armed forces still face the same problems. 

We speak to the author of a new report that sets out the problems facing women who serve, and the issues for female veterans as well. 

We speak to an expert on UFOs as US officials prepare to release a major report into mid-air encounters and 100 years of the WRENs Association.

Building bridges in Geneva 

Joe Biden says his talks with Vladimir Putin were “good, positive”. The Russian president called them “constructive”. But the US and Russia remain far apart on big issues like cyberattacks. So how did the Geneva summit go? 

Joe Biden’s meeting with Vladimir Putin followed a NATO summit that included a warning to anyone thinking of targeting alliance members’ assets in Space. We ask if that that could trigger military strikes back on earth. 

We learn about the man who’s likely to be the next President of Iran — and who could be the country’s future Supreme Leader. 

And we find out about the challenges of getting supplies to Royal Marine Commandos deep inside enemy territory.

World leaders come face to face 

President Biden is in Europe for a week of intense top-level diplomacy, including a G7 summit, a gathering of NATO leaders, and then face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin. 

It’s the first overseas trip for the US President since his election — and a chance for him to demonstrate his commitment to restoring America’s relations with allies, strained under Donald Trump’s administration. 

We hear about the issues likely to dominate in the coming days. 

We’ve a special report from a huge exercise in America’s deep south, which saw troops from the Welsh Cavalry training in extremely harsh conditions. 

Three months from the deadline for withdrawal from Afghanistan, we ask if western powers are willing to stand by and watch the Afghan government be deposed by the Taliban. 

And we report on how military leaders are stepping up the fight against climate change.

A Moral Obligation 

As remaining international forces prepare to leave Afghanistan, the fate of the thousands of Afghans who helped them has been in doubt — until now. 

Both Britain and the US now say they’ll resettle thousands of people, fearing otherwise they’ll be at the mercy of the Taliban. 

We ask one former Army officer who served two tours in Helmand what that says about the last 20 years of international operations in Afghanistan?  

Denmark’s in the doghouse with some of its international allies after reports claimed it’s helped US intelligence to spy on them. 

The new Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces tells us the system still isn’t working properly. 

And we meet the researcher trying to put right a long-standing wrong in Britain’s military past.

How to handle “Europe’s last dictator” 

There’s been international outrage after Belarus forced a Ryanair jet to land in the country, and arrested a prominent critic of the country’s regime. 

But how far are western powers willing to go to confront Alexander Lukashenko’s behaviour? And will it make any difference? We hear from a former British ambassador in Belarus. 

Dominic Cummings says Britain’s failure to prepare for emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic cost thousands of lives. We speak to an expert in crisis planning on how to avoid the same mistakes in future. 

We look at why British troops could soon be on the way to Somalia, and speak to the head of a charity trying to fund a study into the use of MDMA — ecstasy — to treat veterans struggling with PTSD.

What counts as a war crime? 

Almost two weeks of fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants has left more than 200 people dead — almost all of them in Gaza. 

The International Criminal Court warns both sides may have committed war crimes — in this week’s Sitrep, we learn more about the laws of war, and ask whether anyone will be held to account if they’re being broken. 

We hear from the RAF’s commander for Middle East operations, who warns the Islamic State group it has “nowhere to hide”. 

A former National Security Adviser tells us Britain needs to decide what role it wants to take in the world post-Brexit. 

And we ask why the Army commissioned a report to establish its economic value to the UK, and find out what it says.

Northern Ireland legacy issues; Missiles and Drones; Antarctic expedition. 

The government promises to bring forward legislation to deal with legacy issues related to the Northern Ireland Troubles. 

How drones will change warfare.  

Royal Marines on training exercises before deploying to the High North. 

And the Antarctic expedition that plans to mark the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Mali UN Operation; Russia and US; Army logistics 

British forces on patrol in Mali in West Africa as part of the UN Peacekeeping mission there.  

The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken sends a warning to Russia as he arrives in Ukraine for talks. 

The new museum that marks the role of logistics in campaigns from Agincourt to Afghanistan.

Carrier Strike Group; Training Paratroopers; Australia Defence 

HMS Queen Elizabeth and her carrier strike group prepare for a deployment to the Indo-Pacific. Find out how paratroopers are being trained to fight on the urban battlefield. Why has Australia announced a large increase in defence spending?

Offensive Cyber Operations; President Putin speech and Ukraine; Help for Heroes. 

Cyberspace has been described as the most contested domain – so how will the new National Cyber Force defend the UK? Sitrep speaks to the head of Strategic Command, General Sir Patrick Sanders. 

A former British ambassador to Moscow speaks to Sitrep about President Putin’s State of the Nation speech and concerns over Russian troops gathering on the borders of Ukraine. 

Also this week, how a military charity is helping frontline healthcare workers cope with the stress of dealing with Covid.

Afghanistan withdrawal; The Duke of Edinburgh's connections with the military; Ukraine and Russia. 

Sitrep hears from a former UK ambassador to Kabul and our panel of defence experts on the future for Afghanistan post NATO withdrawal; The programme looks at the Duke of Edinburgh's connections with the armed forces and his wartime service in the Royal Navy; And find out how an inventor is adapting a vehicle to help protect troops against explosions.

Uk Space Command; Russia and Ukraine; RAF Scampton 

Sitrep examines UK military plans for Space; We hear from a former NATO ambassador on growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine; Why the Red Arrows, a Lancaster and a Vulcan will feature in a stained glass window.

Chief of the Defence Staff Interview 

(Title) Chief of the Defence Staff interview 

The CDS Gen Sir Nick Carter speaks exclusively to Sitrep about Army numbers, recruitment for the Rangers Regiment, the future of the Reserve Force, the need for change and new technologies, and the nature of the threats facing the UK.

What does the Defence Command Paper mean for the UK's Armed Forces? 

After another huge week for UK Defence, Sitrep assesses how the plans in the Defence Command Paper will change the Army, the RAF and the Navy. Sitrep has detailed analysis from a range of experts on what's been described as the biggest review of Defence since the end of the Cold War.

Sitrep 18th March 2021 

Analysis and expert commentary on the Integrated Review - described as the biggest Review of Defence and Security policy since the Cold War -with former CDS Lord Richards, Professor Michael Clarke, Bronwen Maddox, Director of the Institute for Government and chair of the For Affairs Comm Tom Tugendhat. Also, flexible working in the armed forces with MOD's Helen Helliwell and Royal Marines on night exercises.

Sitrep 18th March 2021 

Analysis and expert commentary on the Integrated Review - described as the biggest Review of Defence and Security policy since the Cold War -with former CDS Lord Richards, Professor Michael Clarke, Bronwen Maddox, Director of the Institute for Government and chair of the For Affairs Comm Tom Tugendhat. Also, flexible working in the armed forces with MOD's Helen Helliwell and Royal Marines on night exercises.

Military Sexism, Terror Attacks and Integrated Review 

The MoD says the military has “changed enormously” — but while women make up around 1-in-10 Army personnel — some say they face a “hostile environment” if they complain about bullying or harassment. 

As MPs start to look at issues around sexism in the military, we speak to one campaigner who says action is needed. 

We look at a new report that says deaths in terrorist attacks rose sharply last year, even though the number of attacks fell — and we hear about the most likely future threats. 

Why are so many veterans from Commonwealth countries struggling to secure the right to stay in the UK? An England rugby star tells us about his father’s experience. 

And we look ahead to the publication of the integrated review of defence, foreign affairs and security, and find out what to look out for.

Yemen Aid, Killer Robots and Cyprus Vaccine 

Why has Britain halved its promise of aid to Yemen, scene of the world’s worst humanitarian disaster? 

The Prime Minister says aid must fall because of the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic, but on this week’s Sitrep we hear from a former Cabinet minister who’s been to Yemen to see for himself the devastation threatening the country’s population. 

Could a humanitarian catastrophe become a security crisis, radicalising a generation of Yemeni men? 

We report on a new study that suggests an alternative theory for the series of illnesses collectively described as Gulf War Syndrome. 

Plus as a report says the US must invest more in developing autonomous weapons, we hear from an academic campaigning for a worldwide ban on so-called “killer robots”. 

And we’re in Cyprus, where the coronavirus vaccine roll-out has started among the British military community there.

Afghanistan Future, Defence Review and Mali Deployment 

Will the west ever be able to leave Afghanistan?  

The final withdrawal of foreign troops, after 20 years, is on hold again after a surge in violence we speak to a former British ambassador in Kabul about what needs to happen for remaining UK and other forces to leave. 

Speculation continues about what’s going to be in next month’s defence review — we hear from a senior Conservative MP worried cuts to the forces could harm Britain’s international reputation. 

We report from Cyprus, where British troops are training to join the most dangerous UN peacekeeping mission in the world. 

And with Prince Harry confirming he won’t return full-time to the royal family, a few honorary military titles are up for grab

G7 Summit, Afghanistan Future and Christopher Lee 

Sitrep pays tribute to its long-time defence analyst, former presenter and editor, Christopher Lee, who died at the age of 79. 

We’ll hear some highlights from his three decades on the programme, and from some of those he worked with over the years. 

Plus, as Boris Johnson prepares to host a virtual gathering of G7 leaders, what difference will the presence of new US President Joe Biden make? 

NATO discusses its future in Afghanistan, as violence continues in the country. 

And we report on a move to end what the Prime Minister called a “very great injustice” — the removal of medals from hundreds of people thrown out of the forces over their sexuality.

Yemen Conflict, Army Numbers and Cyber Warfare 

The United States is ending its support for Saudi Arabia’s offensive against Yemen, with Joe Biden saying it’s triggered a humanitarian catastrophe. 

But Britain is so far refusing to follow the US President’s lead, saying it makes its own decisions about arms sales — so should we continue to arm and support the Saudis? And can you seriously claim to be pushing for peace when you’re also selling weapons to one side in a conflict? 

Does the Army have enough battle-ready troops? A previously secret report suggests infantry battalions are running short, and the opposition is demanding action. 

Plus, as Britain reveals more about offensive cyber operations against the Islamic State group, we debate the ethics of cyber warfare. Just because you can take down another country’s computer systems, or shut down their power grid, does that mean you should?

Navalny Jailed, Myanmar Coup, Captain Sir Tom 

Five months ago Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critic was almost killed in a nerve agent attack — now he’s been jailed for 3-and-a-half years. 

Alexei Navalny says it’s Putin’s punishment for surviving the poisoning — and a warning to the huge crowds who’ve joined protests in more than a-hundred cities. 

But what should the west do about it? And how much will countries like the UK be willing to do? 

We look at the coup in Myanmar that’s seen Aung San Suu Kyi deposed and locked up. 

And we report on a new warning about the state of much military accommodation, and claims it’s worsening a retention crisis in the forces. 

Plus we look back at the extraordinary life of Captain Sir Tom Moore, after his death this week at the age of 100.

Chinese War, Arab Spring and RAF 2040 

Days after Taiwan’s de facto ambassador in the US attended Joe Biden’s inauguration, China sent fighter jets into Taiwanese airspace. 

It’s being seen as a warning to the new US President not to intervene in what China sees as its affairs. 

In this week’s Sitrep, we hear from one expert on China, who fears a conflict over Taiwan is almost inevitable. 

Ten years after the Arab Spring, we ask why the dreams of a transition to democracy failed. 

And as the Chief of the Air Staff sets out his vision for the future of the RAF, we discuss the ethical implications of an autonomous fighter jet.

Biden Administration, Navalny Arrested and Mental Health 

Sitrep hears from a former British ambassador in the US, and the Chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, on what a Biden administration means for Britain. 

As hospitals struggle to cope with a surge in coronavirus patients, the military is called in to help out. 

Also what will happen to Russia’s most prominent opposition activist, Alexei Navalny, who was detained on his return to the country? 

Plus a new service to help veterans in London struggling with mental health problems, and find out why Boris might be sending his Cabinet ministers to Sandhurst…

Trump Impeachment, Afghanistan Future and Operation Granby 30 

Donald Trump becomes the first US President to be impeached twice — but he remains in office. This week’s Sitrep asks what would happen if the Commander-in-Chief tried to launch military action in his final days in the White House. 

His successor faces calls from a group of politicians in the UK to keep American troops in Afghanistan — but is their presence vital for peace talks with the Taliban? 

And on the thirtieth anniversary of the start of the first Gulf War, Sitrep speaks to some of those involved in making the big decisions in the operation to force Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, including a former Prime Minister.

US Chaos, National Lockdown and Defence in 2021 

The first Sitrep of 2021 looks at two huge stories in the first week of the year, whose impact could be felt far longer. 

In the United States, a mob raids Congress, trying to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. 

How will the chaotic scenes in Washington DC be seen in London, Moscow and Beijing? 

Meanwhile, at home, Boris Johnson announces a new lockdown to try to curb spiralling coronavirus cases — the response to the pandemic is now the biggest-ever domestic peacetime military operation. 

We’ll take a longer look too at some of the other big issues likely to dominate the coming year.  

Fresh from its funding boost, is the MoD about to face some more tough spending decisions? 

Will 2021 be the year international forces finally leave Afghanistan? 

And what will the Biden presidency mean for America’s global allies?

Sitrep Review: Defence and Security in 2020 

Sitrep looks back at an unpredictable and challenging year and assesses how it has changed Defence. 

Key figures involved in the military response to Covid discuss the lessons learned.  

The programme also hears from experts in the domains of Cyber and Space. 

And Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director of RUSI, gives his assessment of 2020 for the armed forces.

Defence budget; NATO's ARRC; Pandemic logistics 

What could be the impact of planned budget cuts on Navy and Army reservists training? 

We ask what are the challenges facing NATO and how should the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps respond? 

And we hear how military logistics experts have worked through the Covid 19 pandemic and what lessons have been learnt

Armed forces complaints; Type 32 Frigate; Royal Marines 

The Service Complaints Ombudsman tells Sitrep that - despite progress - the system for raising and addressing grievances in the military is not efficient, effective, or fair.

Sitrep looks at what we know so far about the promised Type 32 Frigate first mentioned by the Prime Minister in the funding settlement statement.
And you can hear a special report from Cyprus where Royal Marines are testing new technology and systems.

Future shape of UK Defence after Funding Settlement. 

Sitrep focuses on future Defence priorities and funding with the Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards and Professor Michael Clarke from RUSI .

Plus Hannah King reports on how 'gun bubbles' are helping troops train for a deployment to Estonia.

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Defence Spending; Afghanistan drawdown; Hurricane aid. 

Defence is to get a four year funding deal - what should the new money be spent on and how will it reshape the UK's defence policy? 

President Trump orders more US troops out of Afghanistan - but what does that mean for the fragile peace process?

And how RFA Argus is supporting Hurricane relief efforts.

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US and NATO; Falklands mine-clearing; Space and Defence 

What is the future for US-NATO relations under a Joe Biden Presidency?  

The mission to rid the Falklands of landmines nearly 40 years after the conflict

And we look at the role for defence in Space.

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Covid military response; US Election; Remembrance 

The armed forces helping to carry out rapid coronavirus testing in the government’s first mass pilot...

What are the future defence, foreign and security challenges for the winner of the Presidential election in the US? 

And how different will Remembrance be this year due to the Covid pandemic?

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America’s knife-edge election & special forces raid oil tanker 

In less than a week, the United States chooses its next President. In this week’s Sitrep, we get the latest on the race for military votes, and ask what four more years of Donald Trump, or a new start under Joe Biden, would mean for the UK, and for Nato.

In the week special forces raided an oil tanker in trouble off the Isle of Wight, we ask whether the military could dragged into the ongoing Channel migrant and refugee crisis.

We’ll find out how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted Gurkha recruitment, and hear from a former head of GCHQ who says we could all learn a lot by thinking the way spies do.

Plus the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, tells us about his own relationship with the military, and why he thinks MPs should spend time with the forces learning how they work.

Integrated Review: Drone Technology; GCHQ History. 

The future of the Integrated Security and Defence Review. 

Why is NATO planning to open a new Space Centre?

How will Drone technology change combat?

And what impact did GCHQ have in the Falklands War? 

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Army Recruitment; North Korean missiles; Submarine Hunters 

How has Army recruitment been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic?  Sitrep speaks to the Assistant Director of Army Recruiting.

What lies behind North Korea’s decision to showcase its latest missile?

The RAF has welcomed the arrival of the first of the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft to its permanent home at RAF Lossiemouth.

And the campaign to honour armed forces personnel from the Caribbean with a new monument at the National Memorial Arboretum

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Russian armed forces; Women in Royal Navy; Gurkha training 

A new report from the IISS think tank says the Russian armed forces are significantly smaller than their Soviet predecessors, but better equipped with more professional personnel. 

We mark thirty years since women were first deployed operationally at sea with the Royal Navy... 

And why the Gurkhas are doing ‘wet gap crossing’ training in Northumberland.

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Integrated Operating Concept; HMS Queen Elizabeth; NHS & Military 

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, has set out the 'Integrated Operating Concept' this week. It's been described as the most significant shift in military thinking in generations. What is it and what impact could it have on the armed forces in the future?

The new carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is to join a major NATO exercise from this weekend. We hear from a former Naval commander.

What’s the best way to improve NHS services for serving armed forces families and veterans?

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Integrated Operating Concept; HMS Queen Elizabeth; NHS & Military 

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, has set out the 'Integrated Operating Concept' this week. It's been described as the most significant shift in military thinking in generations. What is it and what impact could it have on the armed forces in the future?

The new carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is to join a major NATO exercise from this weekend. We hear from a former Naval commander.

What’s the best way to improve NHS services for serving armed forces families and veterans?

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Former National Security Adviser on Chemical and Bioweapons. 

Lord Sedwill, the former National Security Adviser and Cabinet Secretary who stepped down this month, talks exclusively to Sitrep about chemical and biological weapons, the changing nature of threats and the Integrated Defence Review.

Why a new institute has been set up to study air and space power issues in defence and security and - out mortar training with the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment.

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NATO on Future Extreme Threats; Battle of Britain 

NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General talks exclusively to Sitrep about the possible long-term extreme threats to the UK and other NATO members

And remembering the Battle of Britain 80 years on - we hear about the letters written by a Pilot Officer about the battle to his wife in occupied France.

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Cyber security; US troops; British Army in Germany 

Where are the Cyber threats to the UK coming from? The former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, on Russia, China and the impact of Covid 19.

More than two thousand US troops are to leave Iraq but is it the right time to draw down forces? We speak to the Chair of the Commons Defence Committee Tobias Ellwood.

More than a million British soldiers have lived and served in Germany over the past 75 years. A new exhibition at the National Army Museum opens on Saturday looking at this unique deployment . 

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Novichok Poisoning; Gurkha Recruitment; Tensions in Eastern Med 

Germany says that Novichok has been used on a rival of President Putin - how will the international community react this time?

What’s behind the recent tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean?

Plus, Sitrep looks at how the Gurkhas are changing their recruitment process. We join the Royal Marines on training exercises and how some of Britain’s rarest reptiles are thriving in a military fuel site.

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Defence Review; Mali deployment; Sennelager training 

We look at the options facing the government as part of their Integrated Review of foreign policy, defence and security. Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, tells us that the government must find more money for defence. 

We ask what will be the impact of the recent coup in the West African state of Mali on plans to send 250 British troops there as part of a UN mission?  

Belarus Instability, Principled Spying and The Hardest Day 

As protests continue in Belarus, Sitrep looks at the wider implications.

We hear from the man who was Britain’s ambassador in Minsk when Lukashenko took power 26 years ago on what’s likely to happen next.

In the United States, the race for the White House is hotting up, with Joe Biden setting out his pitch to American voters.

We ask a former head of the Royal United Services Institute what a Biden victory could mean for US allies, and find out why there’s talk about the military potentially being asked to remove Donald Trump from the White House if he loses, and then refuses to leave.

A former head of GCHQ joins us to discuss the idea of “principled spying” — is it even possible?

And we find out why Chelsea Football Club has adopted an historic Lancaster bomber.

Plus we report from Biggin Hill airfield, 80 years after it played a key role in the “hardest day” of the Battle of Britain.

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Legacy of VJ Day; Defence Review; Beirut Explosion 

75 years on - what’s the legacy of VJ day?

How should the government review the UK’s security and defence needs?

We hear what military personnel are doing to help after the devastating explosion in Beirut

And why the script of the film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' caused concern in the War Office.

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Covid 19 and food supplies; Gurkha training; Balaclava medals. 

The Government offers aid and help from military personnel after the massive explosion in Beirut.

What impact is the Covid 19 pandemic having on food supplies around the world? 

Sitrep has a special report on training with the UK Gurkha Company   

And the Battle of Balaclava, one man’s story as part of the Charge of the Heavy Brigade.

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Russia report; Commando Helicopter Force; Covid response. 

What should be done to counter cyber threats from Russia?

A new report says there needs to be more investment in armed forces personnel and their families to keep them in the military.

We report on Exercise Merlin Storm with Commando Helicopter Force

And a reservist’s personal insight into what it's been like to work in hospitals throughout the Covid pandemic.

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HMS Queen Elizabeth, Yemen appeal, Potsdam conference. 

Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham on the future deployment of aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. 

The Red Cross tells Sitrep how the conflict in Yemen is having a devastating impact on the treatment of those affected by COVID-19.

And we report from Germany on the 75^th anniversary of the Potsdam Conference that shaped the future of post-war Europe. 

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Integrated Defence Review; Libya; Huawei; Battle of Britain 

The Chief of the Defence staff on the future shape of the armed forces.

Why have so many countries become involved in the conflict going on in Libya?

A day in the life of military personnel working on coronavirus Mobile Testing units.

What will the Government do about Huawei and 5G? The significance of the Battle of Britain in the Second World War.

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Afghanistan deployment; Covid 19 testing; Mental Health. 

As Afghanistan deals with the spread of Coronavirus, a British Army spokesperson tells the programme what precautions are being taken on their deployment in the country.

A new National Security Adviser has been appointed but what will be the impact of the change at the top of Whitehall? Professor Michael Clarke unpicks the changes.

And searching for the right words to find fitting inscriptions for military graves. We speak to Peter Francis from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. 

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Armed Forces Week, Russian Power And Perfect Tea! 

We assess the impact of the military's response to Covid 19: Russia's security services under the spotlight.

One of the RAF’s first female fast jet pilots tells Sitrep what it was like to be a pioneer in her field and our ambassador to Washington enlists the help of the Army, the Navy and the RAF in making the perfect cup of tea!

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Tributes Paid To Dame Vera Lynn. US Troops In Germany 

Tributes paid to Dame Vera Lynn, the forces sweetheart.

President Trump has confirmed that 9,500 US troops are to leave Germany, so how will that affect NATO's strategy in Europe?

The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee tells Sitrep of his deep concern over the fatal clashes at the border between China and India

Plus -  why a new research project has been launched to see how veterans are coping during the Covid 19 pandemic. 

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The Army confronts racism, NATO warns the world about the economic and military rise of China and the oldest Admiral in the Royal Navy turns 99. 

One of the Army’s most senior officers has told BFBS Sitrep why he wrote an open letter about tackling racism, following the protests over the death of George Floyd.

Commander, Home Command, Lieutenant General Tyrone Urch told Sitrep that the British Army was not immune to incidences of racism and he's written to all commanders saying he is determined the army will push back against racism, hatred and division.

We also hear from a former United States permanent representative to NATO about a warning this week from the organisation's head about the growing economic and military power of China. Jens Stoltenberg said the West must stand together to face any challenges.

And the oldest Admiral in the fleet... we look at Prince Philip's war time experiences - including witnessing  Japan's surrender - in the week he celebrates his 99th birthday.

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The Army forms a new regiment to combat digital attacks, the impact of Covid on defence spending and and leadership tips from No 10. 

We hear about the new regiment being formed to counter the threat from digital attacks. The first dedicated Cyber regiment is designed to protect defence networks at home and on operations overseas. Brigadier John Collyer - the Commander of 1st Signal Brigade - tells us about the threats and explains how the 13th Signal regiment is made up from different specialist teams. The military have been widely praised for their work throughout the COVID 19 crisis but questions are being asked now about the impact of the pandemic on government spending overall, and on defence spending in particular. We hear from the Defence Secretary giving evidence in parliament and from defence experts. And what advice on leadership and motivation would you give a 14 year old? We hear from a father who, when working at Downing St, asked world leaders, authors and sports stars to write down their life advice for his son we hear what George W Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev and J.K. Rowling, among others. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Rare access to the scientists at Porton Down supporting the Covid-19 fight, what was the impact of the Dunkirk evacuation 80 years ago and gamers h... 

We hear from scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down who have been using their expertise to assess how the coronavirus behaves and to support the government's testing programme. We assess the impact of Dunkirk 80 years after the evacuation of over 300,000 thousand British and Allied troops from the beaches and hear from a 100 year old veteran who was taken prisoner.  

And we hear how the US Army is using skilled gamers in its ranks to reach out to prospective recruits  at a time when coronavirus makes career fairs difficult. The army e-sports team competes full time and organises large online tournaments where they can meet prospective soldiers. Follow us @bfbssitrep

It’s Mental Health Awareness week during lockdown, how are military charities helping. Combating disinformation around the virus and the Red Arr... 

It’s Mental Health Awareness week, and this year’s theme is “kindness” — in this week’s Sitrep we hear how one military charity’s helping some of those struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

We’ll find out how NATO’s combating disinformation around the virus — with help from the British military.

And we’ll hear from the head of the UN relief mission in Yemen — a country battered by years of civil war, and now struggling with Covid-19.

Plus updates on how the pandemic’s affecting British forces communities in Canada and Cyprus — and the Red Arrows have a new home — not too far from the old one.

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An inquiry is launched into the defence contribution to the Covid crisis, why is the US sending bombers overseas and the service complaints system,... 

MPs on the Commons Defence Select Committee want to know if the military could have been used sooner to boost Britain's response to the coronavirus pandemic -- we'll speak to the committee's chairman.

We'll also ask why America sent its fleet of bombers into the skies above Europe and the Indo-Pacific this week in a show of strength — aimed in part at China.

Most military personnel who think they have a valid complaint about their treatment don’t actually make one. And according to the Ombudsman overseeing service complaints, the system is neither efficient or fair.

We hear from Nicola Williams about what’s working, what’s not, and why women in the military are nearly five times more likely to file a complaint than men.

We’ve updates on how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting reserves in Northern Ireland, and the impact of a slight easing of restrictions in Germany.

Plus we take to the skies with the Covid Aviation Task Force, which has been helping the NHS in its response to the pandemic.

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What restrictions need to be in place for the military to resume training? Who could be trying to hack into the labs working on a coronavirus vacc... 

We look at the government’s plans to re-start military training programmes, despite the continuing coronavirus lockdown. Ministers say it’ll be done in a “responsible, socially distanced way” — but how?

Who could be trying to hack into the labs working on a coronavirus vaccine? A warning this week pointed the finger at “hostile actors” — we’ll look at why it’s happening.

We’ll hear from one military charity worried about the mental health of veterans dealing with the pandemic.

And ahead of the VE Day anniversary, we’ll find out how it’s being marked at home and online, hear from Cyprus about the role the island played in the war, and we’ve a special report from Germany on what surrender meant for its citizens.

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What will the world look like when the coronavirus pandemic is in the past? Will relations with China collapse? How will Russia respond and where d... 

What will the world look like when the coronavirus pandemic is in the past? Will relations with China collapse? How will Russia respond? And where does it leave Britain? We’ll discuss the potential for major change with the director-general of RUSI

We report on the military’s latest role responding to the pandemic — setting up dozens of mobile testing facilities

We get updates on how forces communities around the world are coping with the lockdown.

And on Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday, we hear from the postmaster who’s had to cope with more than 100-thousand cards.

Plus, a former MoD expert on UFOs tells us why the Pentagon’s suddenly being so open about potential close encounters.

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More military deploy in response to coronavirus, what are the parallels with a warzone and how are military charities coping? 

Thousands of military personnel are part of Britain’s response to the Coronavirus crisis, but should they be doing more?

What are the parallels between being in a war zone and being on the frontline of the medical battle against Covid-19?  Sitrep speaks to an expert in military mental health,

And, as the head of MI5 steps down, what are the security threats we need to be worried about once the pandemic has passed?

Plus, how are military charities coping as many face financial crisis?

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Coronavirus: How will it change our world? 

The coronavirus pandemic respects no borders, striking the wealthiest countries, and the poorest. This week, we look at the potential impact on conflict zones.

A former adviser to the US State Department tells us Afghanistan will have to cope without much international support.

In the United States, Donald Trump comes under more pressure over his response to the pandemic. Will it prompt him to withdraw even further from America’s decades-old role as global leader?

We get an update from Cyprus on how the outbreak is affecting the lives of the British forces community.

And we tell the story of Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old veteran who’s raised millions for the NHS.

Coronavirus: The military prepares for a long haul 

With the Prime Minister in hospital, who’s in charge of Britain’s security? As the Government continues to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, former RUSI head Professor Michael Clarke tells us some will see an opportunity to exploit.

The Chief of the Defence Staff is telling the forces to treat the virus response as a long-term operation — we speak to retired Major General Tim Robinson, formerly in charge of military assistance to civilian authorities, about the different mindset that’s required.

And as the coronavirus reaches Africa, are there lessons from the way British forces helped to tackle the Ebola outbreak there in 2014. We hear from Kate Dooley, from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, who’s normally based in Sierra Leone.

Plus care homes call on the public to get in touch with lonely veterans, forced to isolate while the outbreak continues.

Coronavirus: The Forces join the fight 

The giant NHS Nightingale Hospital in London’s docklands prepares to receive patients — built in just a few days with help from the Army. We’ve a special report from inside the hospital.

As thousands of reservists are called up and the RAF and Royal Navy make their own contributions to the national response to the pandemic, we’ll hear from the First Sea Lord, and get updates from forces communities in Germany, the Falklands and Cyprus.

Plus we learn more about the call to veterans to help their local communities cope with the virus.

Fake news connected to the pandemic is spreading around the world — we’ll explore the task facing the new government unit set up to combat conspiracy theories.

And we hear how a group of veterans in Scotland are using technology to keep in touch despite the rules on social distancing.

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Coronavirus: The Army builds a hospital 

We hear from some of those in the forces helping the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Richards tells us the Army’s “perfect” to help build a giant new hospital in London — and remembers his experiences of being drafted in to help in past civil emergencies.

We learn about the military personnel training to deliver vital oxygen supplies to hospitals up and down the country, and find out how the outbreak could threaten charities working with veterans.

Plus we look at how prepared the UK was for this emergency — do we need to think more about civil defence?

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Coronavirus: Britain's biggest fight in generations 

After an extraordinary week for the UK and the world, this week’s Sitrep looks at the role the military is likely play in the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

We’ve a full update on the MoD’s plans so far, and former defence minister Tobias Ellwood tells us how the military will fit into the overall response.

Michael Clarke, the former director-general at the Royal United Services Institute, remembers past occasions where the military’s been called in to help out, and chemical weapons expert Hamish de Bretton Gordon talks through the lessons from the Novichok attack in Salisbury that could come in handy in the coming weeks.

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The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Britain's growing military mission in Africa and can Putin be president for life? 

It’s five years since Saudi Arabia first intervened in the fighting in Yemen. Since then it’s escalated into the world’s worst humanitarian disaster — and this week aid agencies have warned the situation could get even worse. 

We’ll hear from the Red Cross, on the ground in Yemen, on the crisis facing its population — and learn more about Saudi Arabia’s huge surge in arms imports during the conflict — and who’s selling them the weapons. 

Plus a special report from Africa on Britain’s growing military role in the continent, and find out more about the coming deployment to Mali. 

And if you thought you’d soon see the back of Vladimir Putin — think again. Find out how Russia’s leader plans to effectively become president for life with Russia analyst Stephen Dalziel 

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Can the military help with the coronavirus outbreak, the Brits training African soldiers in Senegal and International Women's Day 

Should the military be helping in the fight against coronavirus?  

Lord Dannatt, former head of the Army, tells Sitrep his thoughts.

How British troops are training African soldiers to combat the Islamist extremists in the Sahel.

And find out what it's like to be a RAF reservist....

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The defence review to end all defence reviews, life after service and the high tech piracy threat on the high seas. 

Downing Street has launched a huge review of defence, security and foreign policy. It's like nothing we've seen before.  Lucy Fisher, Defence Editor at The Times and Professor Michael Clarke, Distinguished Fellow at RUSI explain how it might work.

Our reporter Sian Grzeszczyk talks to former Major General John Henderson who is now Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council about life after service.

And Ed Jennings reports on the new technology which could make it easier for pirates to operate at sea.

Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee.

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Assad claims victory is close, have the West failed Syria? A virtual no show by the UK at an important Security conference and 20 years since the M... 

The scale of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Syria is hard to comprehend.   Close to 1-million civilians — the majority women and children — have fled towards the Turkish border in the depths of winter.  Western nations, though, appear unwilling to do anything.

Germany’s president criticises the US, and Mike Pompeo insists the transatlantic alliance remains strong. We’ll look at those competing claims, and why the UK only sent a very junior representative to the first big international security conference since Brexit.

Sir William Patey talks about the impending peace deal in Afghanistan, the way the Taliban has managed to win a key role in deciding the country’s future, and the political pressure pushing Trump to sign the deal.

A lot has changed in the two decades since the government lifted the bar on gay and bisexual people serving in the armed forces.  Now a group of veterans and serving personnel - some of them instrumental in fighting to remove that ban - are giving their backing to a new charity called "Fighting with Pride".

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Army recruitment hits its target, the PM wields the axe in the reshuffle and Sinn Fein gains influence in the Irish election 

The Army has some rare good news on the shortfalls in its ranks.  It is about to meet its recruitment target for the first time since it started a controversial private partnership with Capita in 2012.

The cabinet reshuffle didn't go quite as expected but are there any defence implications?  We talk to Lucy Fisher, Defence Editor at the The Times

Africa’s Sahel region, is currently at the centre of huge conflict and displacement with different armed groups, including Al Qaeda and Islamic State moving in. We talk to Paul Melly, consulting fellow at Chatham House.

The United States is a hundred percent committed to NATO.  So says a US General involved in the planning of the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe for an exercise in more than 25 years.

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The Defence Committee has a new chair, Trump's State of the Union address and the P-8A arrives in Scotland 

President Trump’s made his annual State of the Union address to Congress.  Malcolm Brown from Feature Story News in Washington explains how it went down with the voters and Dr Karin von Hippel the Director General of RUSI talks about the current state of Britain’s relationship with the US.

Does the United Nations need reform? Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN, is angry because countries are ignoring security council resolutions. 

The new chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood, tells us what he hopes to achieve in the job.

And aviation expert Paul Beaver gives his view on the RAF’s new Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee.

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Does Huawei pose a risk to UK security, the 6th generation Tempest and finally it's Brexit! 

The Government’s made its decision on Huawei and the new 5G Network – but is it the right one?  James Sullivan, head of Cyber Research at the Royal United Services Institute looks at the concerns surrounding the announcement.

As we remember the Holocaust, why are we ignoring the human-rights atrocities happening right now?  Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, reminds us of today’s brutalities.

Sian Grzeszczyk speaks to Bae System’s Human Factors lead researcher, Suzy Broadbent, about the new technology that will read the minds of future fast-jet pilots to improve their performance. 

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A Defence review is imminent, the Type 45 power problems to be fixed and farewell Peter Hobday. 

The 2020 Defence Review – is it big enough to shape Britain’s future defence policy?  Defence analysts Francis Tusa and Christopher Lee discuss the possible options.

The former First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord West explains why is there concern over the repair programme for the Type 45s.

Did the government do a deal with Sinn Fein that could lead to more veterans being prosecuted?  Former defence minister Mark Francois voices his concern.

And remembering Peter Hobday, the first presenter of Sitrep.

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Iran, Putin's big plan, Libya and Millennials' war worries. 

Higar Chemali, the former spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations and Professor Scott Lucas from Birmingham University tell us

why the UK has changed its policy on the  Iran nuclear deal, and look at America’s reaction one week after the air strikes against US forces in Iraq.

Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov looks at President Putin’s big plan for the future leadership of Russia

Who’s fighting who in Libya? Mary Fitzgerald is a writer and frequent visitor to the beleaguered country and explains all the different factions in the current crisis.

According to a recent survey carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross, millennials across the globe are worried about war, but why?

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Iran, foreign policy alignment and the consequences 

This week Sitrep takes an in-depth look at the Iran-US crisis,

Was it a bad decision by the United States?  Should the UK's foreign policy should be aligned so closely with America's?

How have Europe & Russia reacted to the rising tensions?

And where does this leave British and American troops based in Iraq and what are the longer-term consequences for the Middle East?

That’s all in this week’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee

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Real Cold War Spies: BRIXMIS 

BRIXMIS was a unit of the British Army set up at the end of the Second World War as part of a liaison mission between the wartime allies: Britain, France, America, and The Soviet Union.

BRIXMIS stands for the 'British Commander-in-Chief’s Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany'.

However, BRIXMIS rapidly became, in common with United States (USMLM) and French Allied Military Liaison Missions (FMLM), something quite different.

In this special edition of Sitrep, BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon tells Kate Gerbeau how she took former BRIXMIS operative Dave Butler back to Germany, where he spied on Soviet troops at the height of the cold war.  As well as Dave, Rosie spoke to other former spies from Britain, the US and the former Soviet Union, who all have dramatic tales of espionage in plain sight.

Want more?

To read Dave's story in his own words and see photos from the time:  forces.net

To see the Forces TV documentary:  youtube.com/playlist

You can hear more stories about the British Forces every week by  subscribing to Sitrep.  New Episodes are released on Thursdays.

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Sitrep 2019 Review of the Year 

So what’s the state of British Defence as 2019 draws to a close? 

That’s the question being asked on Sitrep this week as Britain’s newly elected government goes to work.

In an extended programme, Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee will be joined by a panel of experts to assess current and future security threats to the UK and NATO.

They’ll also be looking ahead to Brexit, the US Presidential election and the security issues surrounding climate change.

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The Afghan Papers, Russian-Ukraine cease fire and protecting fish. 

Did major allies fail to tell the truth about the state of the war in Afghanistan?  The former ambassador to Afghanistan, Sir William Patey, gives us his unique perspective.

Russia and Ukraine talk peace, but is President Putin listening? Jonathan Eyal ,International Director at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses the ceasefire.

BFBS Reporter Rebecca Ricks has a special report from Portsmouth looking at how the Royal Navy fishery protection. 

And cricket returns to Pakistan, but why is it so important?  Cricket commentator, Guy Swindles explains.

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RBL manifesto, Libya and NATO's big birthday 

The Royal British Legion has  launched its own manifesto asking what’s in the general election for service people and veterans?

Happy Birthday NATO, but not everyone’s celebrating.

And why is NATO still obsessed with the threat from Russia but forgetting all about Libya?

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Russian military advantage, election manifestos and defence in 2020s 

As Nato celebrates its 70th birthday, Sitrep looks ahead to next week’s summit hosted in the UK with Elizabeth Braw from the Royal United Services Institute, Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham, and former director general of RUSI, Professor Michael Clarke.

A new report says that Russia could ‘outgun’ the UK on the battlefield, Professor Michael Clarke looks at the evidence.

The Tories and SNP launched their election manifestos this week, but with two weeks to go, who will get your vote for defence?  BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee looks at the details.

And a fascinating new book  "Tipping Point, Britain, Brexit and security in the 2020s" by Michael Clarke and Helen Ramscar looks at Britain and its security strengths and weaknesses in the 2020s.

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Duke of York quits, defence in the election and M talks. 

The Duke of York steps down from public duties, but what does it mean for his military roles?  BFBS reporter Claire Sadler and royal historian Christopher Lee look back on his military career and achievements.

Chris Curtis, the Political Research Manager at YouGov, tells us how defence and security rate as an issue for voters ahead of the General Election.

And we find out what Labour,  the Lib Dems and the Green Party are they saying about defence as they launch their manifestos.

In a rare interview, the head of MI6 speaks about his life in the Service and how the world of espionage is changing.  He spoke to Sky’s Defence Correspondent, Alistair Bunkall.

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NATOs 'brain dead', election defence themes and RIP Lord Bramall 

Why does French President Emmanuel Macron think NATO is suffering brain death and that Europe should be more powerful? 

Find out what the two main party leaders are saying about the main defence and security issues on the campaign trail.  We talk to The Times' defence correspondent Lucy Fisher.

And, remembering Lord Bramall -  looking back at a long & distinguished military career from D-Day to Hong Kong and the Falklands War.

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Russian political interference, Fallon retires and 30 years since the Wall fell 

Jonathan Eyal, International Director at the Royal United Services Institute, explains why a report into Russian interference with British politics hasn’t been published.

Sitrep talks to the former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon as he steps down from political life.

It’s 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sitrep hears from former British Army spy Dave Butler who worked on the BRIXMIS mission which spied on Soviet military activities in East Germany.

Plus – BFBS presenter Jamie Gordon gives his account of broadcasting from Berlin during one of the most iconic moments of the 20th Century

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Al Baghdadi is killed, defence election issues and have we reached Tipping Point 

For years he’s been the world’s most wanted terrorist. Now Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. In this week’s Sitrep, we examine the implications of the death of the IS leader, and what’s likely to happen next with Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Professor Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute.

After months of political deadlock, Britain is set for a pre-Christmas election. The Times' political Correspondent, Lucy Fisher, looks at whether defence issues will get a mention in a campaign likely to be dominated by Brexit.

Professor Michael Clarke has written a new book how Brexit is creating a new world of security challenges

And a former Army officer explains how he helped track down one of the suspects in the Sergei Skripal poisoning, and explains how much vital intelligence is just out there, waiting to be discovered.

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Climate change protests, a press blackout down under and issues for the Royal Navy 

People all over the world are taking to the streets in protest against their governments for different reasons.  Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford explains why this is happening now and what it could mean for the future.

President Trump is pulling America out of the Paris climate change agreement.

Paul Osbourne explains what the Australian newspaper black-out has to do with defence.

Why the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has concerns about the Royal Navy fleet.

And military thinking outside the box with The Wavell Room.

Join the debate on Twitter @bfbssitrep

The fallout as US leaves Syria, new head of veteran' affairs and a royal visit in Pakistan 

President Donald Trump says the crisis which has followed the withdrawal of US troops from Syria is not America's fight.  As Russian forces appear to fill the void left we talk to Mary Dejevsky about why this is a good and bad situation for President Putin. 

Simon Marks gives us the low down on the Republican vote, supported by some Democrats, condemning Trump's decision on Syria and the increasingly incendiary rhetoric.

We talk to Pakistan's High Commissioner in London about the Royal visit to his country.

As David Richmond is announced as head of the newly created Office for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer explains its remit, funding and long term ambitions.

Follow us @bfbssitrep

Turkey bombs Syria, will the US withdraw from Open Skies and protection for veterans 

Turkish forces are stepping up air strikes and a ground offensive, as their incursion in Kurdish-held areas of northern Syria continues. It follows the withdrawal of US troops, who fought alongside Kurdish forces in north-east Syria against so-called Islamic State.  Former soldier and Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely joins us along with former US intelligence officer Michael Pregent.

The American press are suggesting President Trump is about to bin yet another east west treaty. It's called the Open Skies treaty and it says Russians and Americans should be able to fly over and look over each other's territory and so lesson the chances of building undeclared weapons. Jonathan Eyal joins us.

Pressure mounts on the Prime Minister to announce a Bill protecting veterans of Northern Ireland in the Queen’s Speech. Lord Dannatt, ex Army chief, and Michael Fallon, former defence sec, are among those who have written to The Times.  We speak to the paper's defence correspondent Lucy Fisher.

Join the conversation on Twitter @bfbssitrep

Hong Kong violence continues, will Brexit involve the forces and a new US military boss 

An RAF pilot has been selected to join Virgin Orbit's small satellite launch programme on secondment

Brexit is four weeks away, so what preparations are being made for any potential civil disobedience and will the military be involved? 

Hiding in plain sight Exercise Iron Viper challenges the art of camouflage in an urban environment.

As the violence in Hong Kong gets worse we speak to Professor Steve Tsang from SOAS at the University of London on what happens next. 

The US has a new top military officer, General Mark Milley takes over as the Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

And why is Sweden’s Navy HQ returning to a vast underground fortress designed to withstand a nuclear attack  

Follow us on Twitter @bfbssitrep

Can climate change lead to conflict, exclusive access to a sniper course and soldiers jumping ship! 

We are joined by Professors Paul Rogers and Michael Clarke to talk the constitution, law and the military after this week's Supreme Court decision.  

Can climate change send us to war?

Forces News has been given exclusive access to a sniper course and Amy Wiltshire has been speaking to one of the them about their job.

And soldiers jumping ship to join the Royal Navy.

Follow us on twitter @bfbssitrep

The PM praises the military, paratroopers were racially harassed and the second carrier starts sea trials 

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has praised the military at a Downing Street reception for the Armed Forces. The Iran/Saudi stand off continues but what does this mean for the US we hear from experts Dan Plesch and Mike Evans. 

Two former paratroopers who took the Ministry of Defence to a tribunal were subject to "highly offensive" racial harassment, an employment judge has ruled.  Why is this still happening in the Army?

And Britain's second aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales begins sea trials.

Follow us on Twitter @bfbssitrep

The new Type 31 building contract announced, more violence in Northern Ireland and Bolton gets the boot 

This week the First Sea Lord is at DSEI as the MOD announce Babcock will build the new Type 31 frigates.

Police chiefs in Northern Ireland say a bomb in Londonderry was built with the aim of killing police officers.  We talk to the Chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland Mark Lindsay.

We are joined by Dr Karin Von Hippel, the Director General of RUSI to talk about the sacking of the US National Security Advisor John Bolton and Fawaz Gerges explains what it means for American foreign policy.

Chris Ryan, the former SAS soldier turned author has a new book out called Black Ops.  It's firmly based on his knowledge of how the regiment operates, so what's life like as member of the elite unit in today's trouble times?

 Follow us on Twitter @bfbssitrep

Does the UK need a National Security Adviser, Taliban piece talks and a shortage in aircrew training 

This week we are joined by Dr Julian Lewis, Chair of the Commons Defence Committee to discuss defence spending and why the UK needs a full time National Security Adviser.

Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent for the Sunday Times talks about the Taliban peace talks and whether they will bring long term peace to Afghanistan.

We're tracking the Adrian Darya 1.  The oil tanker that was seized by Royal Marines off Gibraltar back in July has been hanging around in the Eastern Mediterranean  - what is it waiting for?

Paul Beaver is an aviation expert and we talk to him about the National Audit Office report suggesting military aircrew training is coming up short.

And we remember the start of the Second World War, 80 years ago this week.

Follow us on twitter: @bfbssitrep

Sitrep August 29th 2019 

The Prime Minister's decision to temporarily suspend parliament and have a new Queen's Speech means the Chancellor is planning his spending.  Defence analysts Francis Tusa and Professor Michael Clarke discuss whether defence could lose out. We track the Iranian tanker formerly known as Grace 1.  It's now called Adrian Darya 1 and is trying to find somewhere to refuel in the eastern Mediterranean, but this is more than a story about a ship as Professor Michael Clarke explains. What happens at BATUS, the British Army's training unit on the prairie in Canada? Our reporter Sian Grzeszczyk talks to BATUS Commander Colonel Mark Ellwood. And Churchill established his war rooms in a bunker beneath Whitehall 80 years ago this week. Imperial War Museum Curator James Taylor has some stories from that time. Presented by James Hirst with Christopher Lee.

Sitrep August 22nd 2019 

Talks between the US and the Taliban on a peace deal in Afghanistan are said to be close to completion — with the White House keen to get American troops home before Donald Trump seeks re-election next year. We hear from a correspondent who’s been talking to the Taliban’s chief negotiator in Qatar. The latest figures on UK military personnel numbers again show the forces are under their target strength. But the Chief of the Defence Staff has claimed that doesn’t matter, in an age of autonomous and unmanned equipment. We’ll ask whether he’s right. Donald Trump and Boris Johnson head to the G7 summit this weekend, and the tension with Iran is likely to dominate — we’ll look ahead. And we’ll ask why Donald Trump was so keen to buy Greenland, and so offended when his bizarre suggested was rejected out of hand.

Sitrep August 15th 2019 

On the 14th August 1969 the British Army deployed to Northern Ireland in response to sectarian riots on the streets of Londonderry and Belfast.  Op Banner, as the Army came to call it, was the longest ever continuous operational deployment of troops in the history of the British Armed Forces.

In this programme, 50 years on, you'll hear from:

• Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence. 
• General Sir Mike Jackson who served as a Captain with the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday and went on to become Chief of the General Staff.
• Baron Caine, a former government advisor to the Northern Ireland Office.
• Richard White, a former Royal Marine who served in Northern Ireland.

Presented by James Hirst with Christopher Lee 

Sitrep August 1st 2019 

Please also plug listen again/podcast  

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

The UN hears pleas to intervene in Syria, but why the is the west is seemingly so reluctant to intervene?

As Britain’s stand-off with Iran continues, is there a diplomatic way to end it? 

One week into Boris Johnson’s premiership, what have we learned about his commitment to the forces? And are the repeated comparisons to Winston Churchill really justified?

Plus, as an American teenager wins $3-million playing the video game Fortnite, how the military views gamers as a potential source of new recruits

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep July 25 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

We have a new Prime Minister and now a new Defence Secretary, so who is Ben Wallace?

The UK wants to put together a European-led maritime protection mission in the Gulf – but what ships are needed and how will it work?

Britain is going to deploy troops to Mali in Africa, but what will they be doing?

And Sitrep’s summer reading list:  delve deep into military history and foreign affairs with Sitrep’s reading list.

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 18th July 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Sitrep July 4th 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

The controversy surrounding the Royal Marines capturing an oil tanker off Gibraltar.

Hong Kong riots - has the UK gone too far in condemning China?

Putin says it's time the West changed its liberal ideas.

The British Ambassador to the United Nations who wanted to be a fighter pilot.

And why Trump won't let the generals rain on his parade.

Sitrep 27th June 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Sitrep 20th June 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Sitrep 13th June 2019 

13th June 2019

This week on Sitrep:

No more street-fighting. The RAF tracks down IS to the Iraqi mountains.  Air Commodore Justin Reuter talks to Simon Newton

Why two oil tankers were on fire in the Gulf.

Pressure builds in Sudan.  Michelle Gavin, senior fellow for Africa Studies at the Council for Foreign Relations says the country is on a knife edge.

British Forces lead Exercise Baltic Protector.

And what do the Tory Leader hopefuls think about Defence?  Robert Fox from the London Evening Standard has the low-down. Sitrep is presented by Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee.

Sitrep June 6th 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Sitrep May 30th 2019 

In Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee…

As Theresa May prepares to step down — what will her legacy be on defence? We hear from one expert who thinks she was never that interested in the forces, and find out which of the candidates vying to replace her has the best defence pedigree.

Before she resigns, Mrs May has to host Donald Trump on his state visit to the UK next week — we head to Washington to find out what’s likely to be on the agenda.

Fierce fighting resumes in Syria, as government and Russian forces try to wipe out the last remaining rebel stronghold. We’ll ask why the west appears to have stopped paying attention.

And ahead of events next week to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, we hear one veteran’s story from the 6th of June 1944.

Guests include:

Lucy Fisher, Defence Correspondent of The Times

Professor Michael Clarke, former director of RUSI and Professor Paul Rogers, Dept of Peace Studies, University of Bradford.

Sitrep Thursday 23rd May 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Why did the Carrier’s Captain have to leave his ship? 

Is Turkey hungry for war with Cyprus?

Should Britain hand back the Chagos (PRO: Chay-gos) Islands?

What are the modern day challenges of UN Peacekeeping operations?

And the essence of being a soldier – the warrant officer’s speech that’s a must-watch for MoD recruiters.

Sitrep Thursday 16th May 

Former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Dannatt welcomes the Defence Secretary's plans to examine the way historical allegations are handled.

Tensions rise between the Iran and the United States but are they heading towards confrontation? Professor Joshua Landis from the University of Oklahoma explains what's happening and Michael Evans, former Pentagon Correspondent for The Times talks about the mixed messages from the US and UK on the threat level.

US General Michael Garrett explains the how his men will fight in the future.

And the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Israel.  Paul "Dr Eurovision" Jordan talks about the politics surrounding this non-political event

Sitrep May 9th 2019 

Why MP Johnny Mercer has withdrawn support for the government over historical allegations in Northern Ireland.

Is the special relationship is back on as Pompeo and Hunt have talks in London.

Is Iran a threat to the UK and is Libya being ignored?

And army boxing, why it’s attracting an online audience.

Sitrep May 2nd 2019 

This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Gavin Williamson has lost his job as Defence Secretary.  He was sacked by the Prime Minister because she believes he was the source of a leak from the National Security Council.

The Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee Dr Julian Lewis gives his views on Williamson, the new woman in the job Penny Mordaunt and Huawei.

He's joined by Professor Anthony Glees from the University of Buckingham.

And Professor Eric Grove talks discusses the growing naval strength of China and Japan.

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep April 25th 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Sitrep April 11th 2019 

Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee.

Sitrep April 4th 2019 

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Sitrep March 28th 2019 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee -

Is India now a super-power?

How London and Moscow are trying to improve relations.

Plus, why do people leave the armed forces?  And what should the Mod do to increase retention

And, how one part of Brexit IS happening on time tomorrow.

Sitrep March 21st 2019 

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Sitrep March 14th 2019 

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7th March 2019: International Women’s Day Special 

This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

It's 2019 and if you're a woman, you can now apply to do every single job in the British Armed Forces.

We celebrate International Women's Day by hearing from some of the top female voices in defence, including:

• Dr Karin Von Hippel, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute.
• Colonel Lucy Giles, President of the Army Selection Board.
• Madeleine Moon MP, a long-serving member of the House of Commons Defence Committee who says the Ministry of Defence isn't doing enough to recruit more women.
• Commodore Ellie Ablett MBE, who founded the Naval Servicewomen's Network.
• Maria Stuttaford who has been studying the impact of the unpaid work done by military wives.

And Sarah Brown, Chair of Theirworld and wife of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown talks about a forgotten casualty of war; the education of girls.

Sitrep February 28th 2019 

28th February

This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

President Trump and Kim Jong-un have said no deal this time on nuclear warheads.  We hear from Professor Robert Kelly of Pusan University in South Korea and Professor Michael Stathis from the University of Southern Utah in the USA.

Why has nobody managed to find a solution to the conflict over Kashmir?  Dr Dan Plesch from SOAS at the University of London explains.

The UN's highest court says Britain should end its control of the Chagos Islands, but what about Diego Garcia where the US keeps its B-52 Bombers?

Officer cadets at Sandhurst are trained by the Red Cross.  It's to teach them how to work with humanitarian agencies in conflict zones. Retired Brigadier Ian McLoed has worked for the ICRC for 20 years and explains why this is so important.

And the former soldier who says his optician refused to make a note of his military service on his medical records.  We hear from Hugh Milroy the CEO of Veterans Aid about the confusion over the Armed Forces Covenant.

Sitrep February 21st 2019 

21st February

This week on Sitrep with Tim Cooper and Christopher Lee:

Putin has told Moscow's federal assembly that Russia will deploy new weapons and aim them at the west if the US deploys new short and medium-range missiles in Europe.  So what's Putin's game?  We hear from RUSI's Professor Mark Galleotti and writer on Russian affairs Mary Dejevsky.

Simon Marks reports from Washington on President Trump's plans to give US nuclear powered technology to Saudi Arabia, a sworn enemy of Israel.  Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford explains what this could mean.

The UK's signed a new military pact with Oman which will allow Royal Navy ships and submarines to dock in a new port being built there, putting British "East of Suez" plans into action.

And we mark LGBTQ History Month with a look ahead to next week's special programmes on Forces Radio BFBS including an interview with Caroline Paige, the first transgender officer to serve openly in the British Armed Forces.

Sitrep February 14th 2019 

This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Professor Michael Clarke from the new counter-terrorist think tank Co-Jit UK explains why British Intelligence Officers might like to speak to the IS bride who wants to come to the UK.

Forces News reporter Laura Mackin-Isherwood reports from the NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels.

The London Evening Standard's Defence Editor Robert Fox gives his take on the Defence Secretary's "Paper Tiger" speech.

Naval Historian Professor Eric Grove explains why the Defence Secretary wants to send HMS Queen Elizabeth to the South China Sea.

 Dr Julian Lewis talks about his concerns about French involvement in the production of the Type 26 frigate.

And Christopher Lee has a soppy story about Valentine's Day!

Sitrep February 7th 2019 

In (today’s) Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Are Islamic State really defeated in Syria or is it wishful thinking by President Trump?

The UK hosts the Nato’s 70th summit later this year – is it chance to modernise the alliance?

Find out why there are now more Gurkhas joining the British Army than in the past 30 years.

And as we wave goodbye to the Tornado, Sitrep looks at how it will compare to other “iconic” RAF aircraft

That’s all in  Sitrep, Thurs at 6.30 UK time, or listen to the Podcast at any time.

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep January 31st 2019 

This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood explains why Brexit defence planning is the number one priority at the Ministry of Defence.

Professor Paul Rogers explains the INF treaty and why President Trump is warning the US may pull out.

The new Commander of British Forces in the Falklands, Brigadier Nick Sawyer, gives his first interview and tells Gini Carlin about his plans to improve training there.

RAF Marham is now running on Biofuel - so how does that work?

And new details about work carried out by the Pentagon's top secret UFO research programme with former MOD UFO man Nick Pope.

Sitrep Thursday 24th January 

What’s behind last weekend’s car bomb in Londonderry?  We speak to Dr Marisa McGlinchey whose forthcoming book "Unfinished Business: The politics of Dissident Irish Republicanism" is out soon.

President Trump and North Korea are planning another summit  - but is North Korea still developing nuclear warheads?  Sitrep looks at the meeting from both the US and North Korean perspective with Robert E Kelly, Professor of Political Science at Pusan University in South Korea and Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern Utah.

Michael Stathis also comments on the US shutdown and how it’s affecting defence and security.

And Glynn Prysor from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission talks to us about memorials and why they get vandalised.

Sitrep January 17th 2019 

17th January edition

 What would a no-deal Brexit mean for defence?

Why France and Germany are strengthening their defence and foreign policies with a new Treaty.

The US Shutdown - how does it affect US Defence? 

Plus what’s the Royal Navy up to in the South China Seas and what was the SAS man doing at a Nairobi Hotel?

Sitrep January 10th 2019 

It's out with the old and in with the new for the RAF.  The F-35s are deployment ready while the Tornadoes are being prepared to retire, Aviation Expert Paul Beaver explains the significance.

We speak to Christina Lamb, the Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent, who was recently in South Sudan, about how British soldiers intervened to stop the repeated rape of a group of women there.

What will Turkey do if the US withdraws its forces from Syria? Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace studies at the University of Bradford, explains the impact on the region.

And after Captain Louis Rudd’s successful solo Antarctic trek, Sitrep asks Colonel Neil Wilson, Commander of the Army’s Adventurous Training Group, why adventurous training is so important for the forces.

We also have a tribute to Lord Ashdown.

Did you enjoy the programme?  We’d love it if you left us a review!  Follow us on Twitter: @BFBSSitrep

Sitrep Review of the Year 2018 

Sitrep looks at the highs and lows of 2018

From the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury to President Trump’s historic talks with North Korea’s leader.

The RAF celebrated 100 years, the Royal Navy put its new Carrier to sea and we remembered the fallen of first World War in the centenary of the Armistice

Plus: will the Modernising Defence Programme deliver what it promises?

And what’s in store for 2019?  – How will Brexit change British and European Security?  And what other global threats might our Armed Forces face?

GUESTS

General The Lord Dannatt, former CGS

Professor Michael Clarke, defence analyst

Dr Julian Lewis, Chair of the HoC Defence Select Committee

Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of RUSI

Christopher Lee, BFBS' defence analyst

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.15 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:00pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep December 13th 2018 

In this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

In today’s programme Sitrep hears from the Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, and General Sir Nick Carter,  the Chief of the defence staff  who is rated by many as one of the best modernisers in the army

The carnage in Yemen - is there a chance to bring some hope to more than a hundred thousand people made homeless and starving as a result of this war?

Why the Afghan interpreters for the British Army fear that they or their families may be killed if the UK sends them back home

And has the navy scooped the PR opportunity of the year?  Find out, in today’s Sitrep

Sitrep December 6th 2018 

In this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Should we be banning one of China’s biggest telecoms firms from involvement in Britain’s next-generation mobile networks? The head of MI6 is asking that question, and many of Britain’s global security partners have already taken action – should the UK follow suit?

As Russia threatens to escalate missile production – are we heading into a new Cold War era?

Could climate change create a security crisis triggering a military response?

Plus the ethic of autonomous weapons – as the Army tests a potential killer robot.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.15 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep November 22nd 2018 

In this week’s episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee….

Has the Matthew Hedges’ case made for tricky relations between Britain and the UAE?   

Is it time to ditch the Russian-American missile treaties and start again?

It’s Thanksgiving in America but is it a bad time to say thank you?

And the Armed Forces Covenant - what has it done for you?

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook Thursdays (15.15 GMT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep November 15th 2018 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…..

Brexit – what happens to the military?  Is the Defence Budget threatened and what about NATO?

Does Britain still have influence in the Middle East and has the US lost its global military edge ?

Plus - how does the MoD monitor big defence contracts?

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.15 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep November 08th 2018 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…..

A boost to improve care for veterans, but why has it taken so long?

America's top thinking General tell us what's wrong with leadership.

The US mid-term elections, who are the winners and losers?

And, as we look towards the centenary of the Armistice on Sunday - Dan Snow looks back on 100 years of PTSD and …are we getting remembrance right?

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 1st November 2018 *JAMES HIRST presents today* 

Do millennials understand the Armed Forces?

Defence gets a million in the budget – or does it?

Plus - war games in the snow and the sand

And – what is modern deterrence?

Find out in today’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep October 25th 2018 

In today’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee…..

As the US prepares to walk away from a nuclear pact with Russia — should we be worried?

A Brexit deal’s agreed for Gibraltar — but what if there’s no deal?

Plus the continuing political row over the treatment of veterans of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and we’re in Australia with

And a special report from the Invictus Games in Australia, hearing from some of those taking part, and some of their supporters...

Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 11th October 2018 *Kate Gerbeau presents today* 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau

The bungling Russians spies – and President Putin’s political war on the West,

There’s recruitment problems in both Britain and America.

Why far-right extremism likes a man in uniform.

And the new documentary bringing colour and sound to film footage of the first world war.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep October 4th 2018 

In this episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Britain accuses Russia of cyber-attacks.  We hear from Sky’s defence correspondent Alistair Bunkall in The Hague plus analysis from Professor Paul Rogers from the university of Bradford.

British troops make history by joining in Japanese war games for the first time. We hear from Paul Madden, the British Ambassador to Tokyo.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson tells us why he’s sending the Royal Marines back out into the snow.

And the human faces behind RAF Drone warfare with the author of Reaper Force, Dr Peter Lee.

Sitrep September 20th 2018 

In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee

Is the Syrian war over, and if so - who runs the peace?

Why the Taliban are talking peace to an unlikely mediator…

Could Russian hackers fix the next general election?

And… Flying high at a hundred.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep September 13th 2018 

In this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee………..

The two Novichok suspects make a public appearance on Russian TV – is Putin playing games with the UK?

Why a British General says don’t write of IS….

Why we need a new counter-terrorism organisation.

And spy stories from behind the iron curtain from a former SAS soldier.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep August 30th 2018 

In this week’s Sitrep with Tim Cooper and Christopher Lee………..

The UK’s new fighter jets, the F35B,  moves one step closer to front-line operations as it successfully completes tests using British made missiles….

Find out why President Macron wants Europe to cosy up to Russia to bolster its security…..

Why RAF Akrotiri’s port in Cyprus may be extended if there’s a no-deal Brexit…

And, how you can help with a new exhibition about the British Forces in Germany ...

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep August 23rd 2018 

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Sitrep August 16th 2018 

In  this week’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee………..

Why Turkey poses a potential threat to the stability of NATO.

The leaders of north and south Korea have agreed to meet for the third time this year - what’s likely to be on the agenda?

Plus, after an especially violent week in Afghanistan, Sitrep has a special report from Camp Bastion - four years after the last British troops left

And, how can the UK protect itself against the risk of a military threat from the Arctic Circle?

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep August 9th 2018 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 9th August 2018 *James Hirst presents today*

This week's Sitrep looks at how Britain's military could play a big role in the country's post-Brexit future. The Defence Secretary's been talking up Britain's position as a global player in a speech in Washington DC -- but is he making promises the military can afford to keep?

As the US imposes sanctions on Russia over the Salisbury poisoning, relations between Nato and Moscow are under strain over Georgia. Ten years after the brief war between Georgian and Russian forces, thousands of NATO troops are in Georgia for exercises, as the Russians warn of a "terrible conflict" if Georgia ever joins the alliance. Is that ever likely to happen?

Also this week, Sitrep hears from one of the leading figures in the campaign to end investigations into shootings by Army veterans in Northern Ireland, and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens – find out why it was such an important moment in World War 1.

Sitrep August 2nd 2018 

In this episode presented by Tim Cooper…

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson started the week in Kenya where agreements are being drawn up for Army training to continue there.  As well as meeting troops and their families at BATUK Headquarters in Kenya, he met the men and women running UK funded courses to prevent sexual violence in war. We have a report from Laura Makin-Isherwood.

Also… The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson says he has the best job in Whitehall – is he right?

As MPs pack their cases for their summer holidays, we look at the outstanding defence issues they’ve put on hold with Editor of Defense Analysis Francis Tusa.

The war of words between Trump and Iran’s President Rouhani – we’re joined by Professor Wyn Bowen who is Head of the School of Security Studies at King's College London.

And we talk about the remains of US soldiers brought back to the United States 70 years after the war in Korea.

Sitrep July 26th 2018 

On this week's Sitrep, there’s reaction to the decision to close RAF Scampton, the Red Arrows' home in Lincolnshire.

It was announced on the same day as a pay rise for the armed forces -- but it's still not clear how that's going to be paid for.

Does it mean more cuts are on the way?

Plus, how worried should we be about Donald Trump's latest tweetstorm, aimed at Iran?

There’s worrying figures about suicide rates among military veterans ….

And we speak to the woman behind a new exhibition looking at how Britain commemorates its war dead

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook

www.forces.net/sitrep

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep July 19 2018 

In this episode of Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee we hear from Dr Karin Von Hippel the Director General of RUSI about President’s Trump’s recent visit to Europe.  Did he achieve anything other than international confusion?

Also a statement from the government on the Modernising Defence Programme.  James Hirst explains why it doesn’t say anything we don’t already know.

Why has there been a rise in violence in Northern Ireland?

Ali Gibson takes a look into the future of the RAF at the Farnborough Air Show with a report on future updates to the Eurofighter Typhoon and the virtual reality of The Tempest.

And the Commander of British Forces Germany tells Chris Pearson about British Army infrastructure in Germany after drawdown.

Follow us @bfbsSitrep on Twitter.

Sitrep July 12th 2018 

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Sitrep July 5th 2018 

In this episode Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee are joined by Dr Mark Galeotti, senior fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague to talk about the latest Novichok incident in Wiltshire.  Will this re-open recent wounds with the Russians?  And also how has the World Cup changed people’s perceptions of Russia.  A PR win for Putin?

Also MP Johnny Mercer is calling for a calmer debate when it comes to defence spending.

The UK’s Defence Budget is under scrutiny by the US ahead of next week’s NATO Summit and we look ahead to President Trump’s visit to the UK with Professor Michael Stathis from the University of Southern Utah.

And finally reporter Ali Gibson explores why members of the Armed Forces Community are more likely to feel socially isolated than the rest of the population.

Sitrep June 28th 2018 

In this episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee it’s all about the money……as Whitehall fights for more funds for defence.  We hear from the new Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter.

Do service people get MOD backing when the going gets tough?  We hear from Major Robert Campbell, a retired Royal Engineer is facing an eighth investigation into alleged war crimes in Iraq for which he has previously been cleared.

Also, Kate speaks to Dr Helen Durham who is Director of International Law and Policy at the International Committee of the Red Cross about how the organisation is trying to stop atrocities in war before they happen.

Kate and Christopher are joined by Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford.

Sitrep June 21st 2018 

In Sitrep – it’s a big week for defence stories and in today’s Sitrep Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee look at threats to the defence budget.

Find out why Number 10’s  in a Grump with Trump over Putin.

NATO’s boss praises the UK but does anyone care?

Will Brexit black-out Britain's Euro Security pact?

And The RAF police the skies over Romania……

Sitrep 14th July 2018 

In this episode Kate Gerbeau talks to Matthew Morris who is the UK spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Yemen.  BFBS defence Analyst Christopher Lee and Professor Michael Clarke formerly of RUSI join the conversation too to discuss the fact that the UK is a major supplier of weapons to Saudi Arabia.

Kate, Christopher and Professor Clarke also discuss the meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and what might happen next.  They also talk about Trump and the G7.

You’ll also hear from reporter Ali Gibson who has been to see the huge NATO training exercise Saber Strike.

Also what happened to the missing Royal Marine Allan Addis who disappeared in the Falkland Islands nearly 38 years ago?  The Forces TV team have been investigating the case for a new documentary.

Follow us on Twitter @BFBSSitrep

SITREP 7th June 2018 

In this episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

NATO - the countdown’s on for the July summit meeting. This week defence ministers meet to plan how to strengthen the alliance’s military forces.  We talk to

RUSI’s International Director Jonathan Eyal about this as well as President’s Putin’s plans to entertain Kim Jong Un in Moscow.

The first operational American built F35's for the RAF have arrived in the UK – but can the UK afford all 138?  Aviation Analyst Paul Beaver has a view.

Amnesty International has asked Britain to “come clean” about its role in the deaths of hundreds of civilians during last year’s campaign to liberate the Syrian City of Raqqa.

We hear from Chris Woods from Airwars about who’s keeping count.

And finally the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff says fitness and medicals shouldn’t matter when recruiting the military’s new cyber warriors.

Follow us on Twitter @BFBSSitrep

Sitrep May 24th 2018 

In this episode ….Why is morale so low in the Royal Marines?

The MOD announces Sea Ceptor, the Navy’s new supersonic missile defence system has officially entered service.

There’s a new way of recruiting for MI6….with TV ads.

War is Fun – really?  Dr Mike Martin addresses the sometimes uncomfortable psychology of war.

Elisabeth Braw non-resident senior fellow at The Atlantic Council explains why the Swedish government is telling the population to prepare for disaster, terrorism and even war.

Sitrep 17th May 2018 

The North Korean summit – has Trump underestimated the Koreans?  We hear from Professor Robert E Kelly from

the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Pusan University in South Korea.

Are British pilots flying in a military muddle in the middle east?  We hear the realities of Operation Shader from Air Vice-Marshall Johnny Stringer as he briefs MPs

Back to Bosnia - why a former army officer turned GP, Dr Jonathan Leach has returned to Srebrenica.

Why the story of the Damnbusters Raid still has legendary status 75 years on - Steve Darlow, Ambassador for the RAF Benevolent Fund as well as a bomber command historian and author explains.

Why the military stands guard over the Royal wedding and which uniform will Prince Harry wear?

Sitrep May 10th 2018 

This week’s episode looks at the mounting tensions in the Middle East after President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement.  Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee talk to Professor Rosemary Hollis from City University, London, Emeritis Professor Colin Schindler from SOAS, University of London and Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford.

The Chief Executive of Save the Children, Kevin Watkins explains why the UK should become a global leader in protecting civilians in armed conflict.

HM Naval Base Clyde celebrates its 50th anniversary. We hear from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones.

The military historian Antony Beevor talks about his latest book: Arnhem, The Battle of the Bridges 1944

And what’s the story behind the man who is the new Head of the Army? Lt General Mark Carleton Smith.

Sitrep May 3rd 2018 

In this week’s episode:

Forces News Reporter Ali Gibson speaks to the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson at the end of Exercise Joint Warrior.

Civilian casualties in Iraq and Syria – who keeps count?  Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee discuss with Hamit Dardagan who is co-founder of Iraq Body Count and the charity Every Casualty Worldwide.

NATO is neglecting its navies whilst Russia is rebuilding its Fleet according to Professor Peter Roberts from RUSI.

And, why is Trump so against the Iran nuclear agreement?  Professor Michael Stathis joins us from the University of Southern Utah.

Sitrep April 26th 2018 

In this episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham explains the Iran Nuclear deal and why President Trump wants to get rid of it.

Dr Ghanem Tayara from UOSSM talks about the Syrian government’s intimidation of doctors in Douma.

What’s on the agenda for the historic North & South Korea meeting tomorrow?  Dr Hazel Smith from the Centre for Korean Studies at SOAS has her analysis.

And the Government launches a new Veterans Unit – but are they doing enough to support our former service men and women Kate speaks to Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood and Matthew Seward from the Royal British Legion.

Sitrep April 19th 2018 

In this episode Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee will be talking about Syria and chemical weapons – what can the OPCW actually achieve in Douma?  They talk to Dr Patricia Lewis, Research Director at Chatham House

Also…North Korea, Andrea Berger, Senior Research Associate at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey gives her thoughts on planned talks between the US President and the North Korean leader.  Is Donald Trump seeking a noble peace prize through diplomacy?

Ali Gibson reports from the RAF 100 celebrations over in the USA.

And a new study reveals how hard it is for armed forces veterans to use the benefits system.

Sitrep April 12th 2018 

Could Britain be about to go to war in Syria after the weekend’s suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma.

If that’s the case, the Sitrep team ask what would be the main aim of conflict?   If British forces take part - what will they be asked to do?  And will this be an open ended commitment?

Also this episode – Could Russia respond to any attack on Syria by using Cyber warfare and if so is Britain ready to deal with a category one attack.

Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee are joined by Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of The Royal United Services Insitute, Hamish de Bretton Gordon the chemical weapons expert and former army officer and Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

Sitrep April 5th 2018 

In this episode of Sitrep with Tim Cooper and Christopher Lee:

Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford talks about Russia and the Salisbury Novichok attack – was the PM given the wrong information or has she created a new "dirty dossier"?

Elisabeth Braw from the Atlantic Council explains why the Swedes are getting good at fighting off Russian propaganda.

The head of Europol Rob Wainwright tells us about his cyber-warfare worries.

Rear Admiral (retired) Chris Parry tells us why the Royal Navy surface fleet “isn’t fit for purpose”.

Sitrep March 29th 2018 

In this episode hosted by Tim Cooper with BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee we mark the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.  Tim talks to Major General Julian Thompson, a former Royal Marine who commanded troops in South Armagh in 1976.  You’ll hear what it was like at the height of the troubles and why the agreement could be affected by Brexit.

Also… 

Salisbury attack: Alexander Nekrassov, a former advisor to the Kremlin has some strong opinions about the Salisbury Novichok poisoning. 

One year till Brexit: Defence writer Sebastian Schulte gives the German view of Britain’s European defence and security relationships.

New Chief of Defence Staff:  General Sir Nick Carter has been appointed, but what’s he like?

And The RAF celebrates 100 years in the sky….hear some classic RAF aircraft sounds!

Subscribe and you’ll never miss an episode.

Sitrep 22nd March 2018 

Why is the Government so sure the Novichok (pro: Novee- chock) chemical came from Russia?

As we commemorate those killed in the Westminster attack a year ago – Sitrep asks the experts how they think the general public should respond to a terrorist attack?

Could what facebook knows about you send your country to war?

And…. Finally, the Type 45 destroyers are getting an engine refit……….

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

SITREP 15th March 2018 

As Britain enters a new, difficult relationship with Russia –how will it hurt Moscow?  And who is on the UK’s side?

There’s a new Secretary of State for President Trump – how will U S policy affect the UK?

And the House of Commons Defence Committee, does the MoD listen to its criticism?

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

SITREP 22nd February 2018 

Today on Sitrep:

Why the Kuwaitis want a greater British military presence in their country.

There’s a look at Britain’s foreign policy in the region with LibDem Defence spokesman Lord Campbell.

The Defence Secretary has had his first grilling by committee. Defence Committee Chair Julian Lewis explains how Gavin Williamson got on.

What are the military options in Syria?  with Hamish De Bretton Gordon.

And why is the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the brink of humanitarian disaster?

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

Sitrep February 18th 2018 

Nato’s new command structure – what’s changed and why?

In Syria, who’s fighting who?

Should the West be worried about China and Russia’s increasing military power?

And could the damage to Oxfam’s credibility have a serious impact on the search for peace in a region? 

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 8th January 2018 

In today’s Sitrep programme – Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee examine the potential of a new, long range super-speed missile that can reach a target anywhere in the world within one hour.

Also this week - what’s the true story behind the threat to the Royal Marines and the two ships that float them?

Find out why the British Army has joined the campaign to make 2018 the Year of Engineering.

Plus - the military nurses who fought for votes for women.

And Trump wants a military parade – but will he get one?

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 1st February 2018 (KATE PRESENTS TODAY) 

In today’s Sitrep programme – Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee discuss how a multi-billion pound black hole in the defence budget could affect future spending decisions.

Also this week, Trump delivered his first State of the Union address...are we now seeing a more presidential President?

Plus, the Chief of the Air Staff talks about the RAF's biggest challenges...

And the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards, predicts what might be in store for the new CDS.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep January 25th 2018 

The Government’s Defence Modernisation Programme – what does it mean and what will it do?

Drawdown in Germany could be partially reversed, but what does that mean for the Army and European defence?

Why the Russian threat is causing concern in the Arctic.

Should we be doing more to protect peacekeepers?

And, DAVOS – what is it and why is it important?

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep Jan 18 2018 

The US Ambassador speaks exclusively to Sitrep about the big issues he’s reporting back to Washington.

Today’s Anglo-French summit will boost defence co-operation, but could Brexit cause the two countries to drift apart?

Is Forces accommodation in crisis?

And, find out why cinema audiences are standing up for Churchill

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep January 11th 2018 

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Sitrep January 4th 2018 

What will 2018 have in store for the British Forces?

There’s a bleak forecast for defence from a top analyst but is it really all doom and gloom?

Find out why some people think the British Army is top heavy.

And, who’s in the running to be the new Chief of the Defence Staff?

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 12 21 2017 

This week (Today) on Sitrep...

How does the world look at the end of 2017?

What sort of shape are Britain's Armed Forces in?

What does Brexit mean for British and European Security?

What difference has President Trump made to the world?

And why we should all be watching what China does next.

That's Sitrep on Forces Radio BFBS, Thursday 6.30pm.

(Available as a podcast or listen again if you miss it!)

Sitrep December 12th 2017 

European Defence gets serious but Britain wants to be big in Japan.

The Afghan Interpreter who feels he's being treated like a criminal in the UK.

Also in the programme – the Royal Navy says goodbye to Atherstone and Quorn

What tickles the troops?  Is Forces humour different?

And war stories from a seasoned correspondent…..

Sitrep 30th November 2017 

In today’s programme Sitrep hears from the PM who’s been visiting British troops in Iraq.

Plus…..Is the international response against North Korea strong enough?

Find out why the defence chiefs got a telling off.

Beach landings - do we still need an amphibious capability?

And that rousing regimental boxing speech – Sitrep hears from the officer that made it.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep November 23rd 2017 

Is there a problem with the Type 45 Destroyers?

How much will Britain's F35 aircraft programme cost in the long term?

It's Thanksgiving today in America - but what, in name of Trump, should Americans be thankful for?

And Op Shader -  from the pilot's view in the skies above Iraq.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 16th July 2017 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 16th November 2017 (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

What’s the truth behind the criticisms that the armed forces are close to breaking point without more investment?

What’s going on in Zimbabwe - has Mugabe’s reign finally come to an end

Is Lebanon the new centre for war in the Middle East?

And we pay tribute to one of the first females pilots of the Second World War – Joy Lofthouse.

Sitrep 9th November 2017 

Nato agrees to three thousand extra troops for their training mission in Afghanistan – but where will they come from?

We feature a special report about British troops training soldiers in war-torn Somalia.

What will be the role of Artificial Intelligence in future conflicts?

And, what if social media had existed during the First World War?  An insight to a unique project allows us to eavesdrop…….find out more in today’s Sitrep.

Sitrep 2nd November 2017 

Sir Michael Fallon has resigned from the top job at the Ministry of Defence..and the former Chief Whip Gavin Williamson will take his place as the new Secretary of State for Defence.

Sitrep examines Fallon’s legacy and looks at the issues facing the new defence secretary ahead of a mini defence review & an important NATO meeting.

Join Tim Cooper and special guests in a special edition of Sitrep.

Sitrep October 12 2017 

Can Britain afford to have its own defence industry?

Catalonia seeks independence from Spain but still wants to be in NATO,

Minehunting off the coast of Scotland for Exercise Joint Warrior,

And returning from the hurricanes, RAF Brize Norton welcomes back Op Ruman's air crews.

TOPICS

DEFENCE CUTS

Editor of Defence Analysis Francis Tusa & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee .

CATALAN DEFENCE

James Hasik is a senior fellow in the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security.

EXERCISE JOINT WARRIOR

BFBS Reporter Rosie Laydon & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

OP RUMAN RETURN

BFBS Reporter Alex Gill.

REMEMBRANCE – THE QUEEN

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum). On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep October 5th 2017 

Defence spending – do we spend the right amount on the right equipment?

NATO troops could be out of Afghanistan within four years...that’s the prediction from the country's President.

Could a growing cadet force be the answer to the forces recruitment problem?

And.... how 3D printing could be the next big thing in winning wars.

Guests: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

TOPICS

DEFENCE SPENDING

Pete Sandeman, Director of the online campaign "Save The Royal Navy" & Ben Moores  - a Defence and Aviation Analyst from IHS Janes.

AFGHANISTAN

BBC's Justin Rowlatt, who’s interviewed The Afghan President, Ashraf Ghan.

CADETS

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

3D Printing

BFBS Reporter Hannah King

Sitrep September 28th 2017 

North Korea: How close are we to actual war?

The battle for Raqqa  - what happens when ISIS are defeated?

The fight for Kurdish independence – what does it mean for the Middle East?

Nato’s international rescue for Submarines…

And, after 90 years the White Helmets wave goodbye……………

Sitrep September 21st 2017 

Trump’s speech to the UN – why it’s a game-changer…

Is the Ministry of Defence considering reducing the size of the Royal Marines?

Three years of Op Shader, Sitrep goes behind the scenes at Al Udeid?

British Forces are suffering from a recruitment crisis – so should we bring back national service?

Guests:

Former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

TOPICS

TRUMP/UN

Former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

HURRICANE MARIA

Forces News reporter Rebecca Ricks on board RFA Mount Bay.

ROYAL MARINES - CUTS

Major General Julian Thompson, former RM commander, Deborah Haynes the Defence Editor at The Times and former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

AL UDEID /OP SHADER

Forces News reporter  Simon Newton goes behind the scenes.

CONSCRIPTION

Elisabeth Braw, a non-resident Senior fellow at the Atlantic Council & former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

Sitrep 14th September 2017 

Russia’ playing war-games in the East to fight the West, but what’s the reason for the Exercises?

British troops arrive in the Caribbean for Op Ruman.

And…..improvements inside the warrior armoured vehicle and more from the world's biggest military fair.

Guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

TOPICS

EX ZAPAD

General Sir Richard Shireff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the writer on Russian affairs Mary Dejevsky and our defence analyst Christopher Lee.

HURRICANE

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

DEFENCE EXHIBITION - DESI

BFBS reporter Grace Pascoe interview with the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones.

WARRIOR- DESI

BFBS presenter Richard Hutchinson's had a tour from Lockheed Martin's Phillipa Tredgett, a human factors design engineer.

SECURE MESSAGING APP

BFBS presenter Mike Howarth spoke to David Holman, Company Director of Armour Comms who made the app.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep September 7th September 2017 

 North Korea – the threat continues but what can the international community do, and more importantly – what should China do?

Shipbuilding gains pace so but who’s going to man the ships?

And…..have you ever wondered how GCHQ started?  The Sitrep spies have been to investigate……….

Sitrep August 31st 2017 

North Korea - Has Kim Jong Un....crossed the line?

A former Chief of the Defence Staff, tells us why we need to keep in with the US post-Brexit.

More troops for Afghanistan...should the UK answer Donald Trump's call for help?

Plus, what is the definition of war? Have the goalposts been shifted?

And remembering Princess Diana, and one of her legacies - to rid the world of landmines.

TOPICS

Guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

NORTH KOREA

From the Times, Michael Evans, & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

WHAT IS WAR?

Michael Evans, & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

BREXIT

LORD RICHARDS, Chief of the Defence Staff

LIBYA

former Ambassador to Libya, Oliver Miles.

PRINCESS DIANA LEGACY

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Sitrep August 24th 2017 

On this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau, we have a special look at Afghanistan following Donald Trump’s speech on his new strategy for the war.

We look at what it means for Afghanistan, America and the UK plus we discuss whether putting more boots on the ground will make a significant difference.

We speak to Emily Winterbotham (RUSI), Michael Kugelman (Woodrow Wilson Center), Emily Knowles (Oxford Research Group) and Paul Rogers (University of Bradford).

Sitrep August 17th 2017 

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Sitrep August 10th 2017 

In today’s Sitrep with Tim Cooper

There’s mounting tensions over North Korea as President Trump threatens fire and fury whilst the UN urges caution & diplomacy.

Find out how the Army is hoping to keep the Anglo-German deployment going post 2019.

Plus:  why the Imperial War Museum has upset its members

And Portsmouth gets ready to welcome the Navy’s biggest ever carrier.

TOPICS

Guests:

Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

North Korea

Former British Ambassador to Pyongyang, David Slinn, Dr Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Commander Field Army in Minden

Lt General Patrick Saunders talking to Aimee Dewitt about post 2019.

HMS Queen Elizabeth

Interview with the leader of Portsmouth City Council Donna Jones ahead of the Carrier’s arrival.

The Imperial War Museum

Mark Smith, the Antiques Roadshow's militaria expert, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Sitrep August 3rd 2017 

The Head of the Army explains why we need to keep hold of Sennelager after drawdown in Germany.

Will US plans to use diplomacy decrease the tensions in North Korea?

Do Generals who take time out to study for a PhD make better military commanders?

And, as the Duke of Edinburgh retires from royal duties, Sitrep looks at the importance to the military of having a royal colonel.

TOPICS

Guests:

BFBS  Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

HEAD OF THE ARMY INTERVIEW

Rob Olver interviews General Nick Carter.

NATO RISK REDUCTION

Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

PHD GENERALS

Elisabeth Braw, senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

Sitrep July 27th 2017 

President trump has tweeted that he doesn’t want transgender personnel in the us military, today the Sitrep programme speaks to Caroline Paige, who was the first openly transgender officer in the British Forces.

Also in the programme: what the RAF are doing in Romania on Op Biloxi, an update on Sandhurst in the Sand and the Afghan Air Force take to the skies.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep July 20th 2017 

Can Europe cope with the influx of refugees?

Could the UN broker a peace deal in Syria?

What went wrong with the F35s?

Why did the head of France’s armed forces quit his job?

Plus: Make Your Bed - a US Admiral's top tip for a lifetime of success.

TOPICS

REFUGEES

Professor Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

SYRIA

Hamish de Bretton Gordon who is a former Army Officer now advising NGOs in Syria

FRENCH MILITARY

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

 MAKE YOUR BED (Book review with author William H. McRaven, a former US Admiral )

Navy & HMS Glasgow

Professor Paul Rogers who is Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep July 13th 2017 

Mosul – IS have been defeated but what’s next for the beleaguered Iraqi city?

The Chief of the Air Staff looks forward to the RAF’s centenary next year whilst

the WRNS is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week.

Plus…. Trump Junior and the mysterious Russian Lawyer, what’s the true story?

TOPICS

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

BFBS reporter Charlotte Banks interview with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Sir Stephen Hilier 

MOSUL

Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham.

Trump trouble

Professor Hazel Smith from the Centre of Korea Studies at the school of Oriental and African Studies at The University of London & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

WRNS 100 years

Commander Jane Allen from Royal Navy HQ in Portsmouth 

DUNKIRK

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep July 6th 2017 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 6th July (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

One year after publishing his report Sir John Chilcot finally speaks out but why did it take so long?

Why NATO’s ready for business on the front line.

How should the international community respond to North Korea?

And, the people's storybook of the Cold War.                               

TOPICS

CHILCOT INTERVIEW

Former BBC Diplomatic Correspondent and now Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, Bridget Kendall and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

NATO

Brigadier Commander Mike Elviss speaking to BFBS reporter Rob Olver in Paderborn.

NORTH KOREA

Professor Hazel Smith from the Centre of Korea Studies at the school of Oriental and African Studies at The University of London.

SAUDI ARABIA

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

COLD WAR, STORIES FROM THE BIG FREEZE

The BBC's former Moscow and then Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall  -  now the Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who has written an oral history of the Cold War.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 29th June 2017 

Why the army needs to change the way it recruits

the head of the US Army in Europe shares his concerns about the shrinking British army….

Plus, Britain's biggest ever warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail, but what does the future hold for her?

Fresh talks are taking place aimed at re-unifying Cyprus.

And its 20 year since the British left Hong Kong………..

TOPICS

ARMY RECRUITING

BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon interview with General Sir Nick Carter.

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

HEAD OF US ARMY IN EUROPE

Lt General Ben Hodges commander of the US Army in Europe speaking to BFBS reporter Charlotte Banks

CARRIERS

The ship's captain - Commander Jerry Kyd & Naval Historian and analyst Eric Grove & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

NATO AFGHANISTAN

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

CYPRUS TALKS

BFBS Reporter Simon Newton, Naval Historian and analyst Eric Grove & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

HONG KONG

Analyst Eric Grove & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

Sitrep June 22nd 2017 

In this week’s Sitrep, Is the destruction of an ancient mosque in the Iraqi city of Mosul an admission of defeat by IS?

What’s life like for the RAF Reaper Squadrons?

Prince Harry shares his thoughts on his life in the army, dealing with his demons and the Invictus games.

Plus -  The new Veterans’ Gateway, find out how it can help you.

TOPICS

MOSUL & SYRIA

Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General at the Royal United Services Institute and Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

DRONE PILOTS

Dr Peter Lee from the University of Portsmouth.

SAUDI CROWN PRINCE

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

PRINCE HARRY

BFBS Reporter Cath Brazier.

VETERANS GATEWAY

BFBS Reporter Grace Pascoe

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep June 15th 2017 

In this week’s Sitrep,

Exercise Noble Jump in Romania - what is it and who’s taking part?

Gaddafi’s son has been freed, but what does that mean for Libya?

What does the military make of the General Election result and will an alliance with the DUP affect defence policy?

Plus  - the Putin Interviews – find out why he’s been speaking to Oliver Stone.

TOPICS

EXERCISE NOBLE JUMP

BFBS reporter Simon Newton & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

LIBYA

Mary Fitzgerald, Libya analyst

ELECTION

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

VLADIMIR PUTIN

Former advisor to the Kremlin Alexander Nekrassov.

350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAID ON MEDWAY

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Sitrep June 8th 2017 

In today’s Sitrep,

A stark warning of a humanitarian disaster in the final battle for Mosul

And where next for the Islamist Extremists forced out of Iraq?

Why Qatar is being shunned by its neighbours….

And the military medicine from Afghanistan that’s saving the lives of ordinary people in Britain.

Sitrep May 25th 2017 

Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee.

Sitrep May 18th 2017 

There’s election fever as the manifestos are published but is there anything for the Services to vote for?

Trump, Russia and Putin – exactly what is going on?

While NATO defence chiefs meet in Brussels, Sitrep goes behind the scenes at the Alliance's Joint Force Headquarters in Naples.

Plus -  how the RAF took out the IS executioners.

Studio Guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

TOPICS

DEFENCE & THE GENERAL ELECTION

BFBS correspondent James Hirst & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

TRUMP/RUSSIA/PUTIN

Professor Scott Lucas is from the department of political science and international studies at the University of Birmingham BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

NATO & NAPLES

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper in Italy speaking to Major General Ian Cave, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, at Joint Force Headquarters in Naples & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

MOSUL PROGRESS

BFBS’s Simon Newton reporting from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep May 11th 2017 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 11th May (KATE PRESENTS– NO CHRISTOPHER LEE TODAY; Professor Michael Clarke, former Director of the Royal United Services Institute is our special guest throughout the programme) Could the UK send more troops to Afghanistan, and what will they be doing if they do deploy? In the States, the fallout continues over the sacking of the head of the FBI…. Find out what the main Defence issues are in the General Election campaigns. Plus, Sitrep explores the impact of Prince Harry’s campaign on Mental Health issues. TOPICS AFGHANISTAN Michael Evans from the Times & Professor Michael Clarke, former Director of the Royal United Services Institute FBI DIRECTOR Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington & Professor Michael Clarke DEFENCE & THE GENERAL ELECTION James Hirst, our correspondent in Westminster & Professor Michael Clarke MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK Sir Simon Wessely, Director of the King's Centre for Military Health Research BUNDESWEHR Professor Michael Clarke THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211. Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep May 4th 2017 

Could the French election result change the UK’s defence alliance with our European ally?

What’s the significance of Japan joining in Naval exercise with the US?

Find out what’s worrying the Head of Europol….

Plus, Doctors at War, what it’s really like to save lives in a war zone…..

And, as Prince Phillip steps down from Royal duties – who’s stepping up to fulfil his role?

TOPICS

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

BFBS Defence analyst Christopher Lee

FRENCH ELECTION

Dr Paul Smith an expert in French politics from the University of Nottingham..

HEAD OF EUROPOL

Rob Wainwright who is head of the European Union's police

JAPAN NAVY EXERCISE

Rear Admiral Chris Parry from Rusi

DOCTORS AT WAR

Book review ‘Doctors at War’ by Mark de Rond. 

An account of life of a trauma surgical team at work in a field hospital in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Sitrep April 27th 2017 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 27th April (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

Will sanctions curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions?

Find out what life’s like on board the US aircraft carrier the "George H-W Bush”.

Plus, Trump’s 100 days in power, what’s the verdict?

And Prince Harry’s thoughts on the importance of rugby to the forces as we look forward to the 100th Army Navy rugby match this weekend.

TOPICS

SYRIA/BORIS JOHNSON

Professor of Peace Studies and the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers.

GEORGE H-W BUSH.

BFBS reporter Simon Newton goes on board the US aircraft carrier

NORTH KOREA

Professor of Peace Studies and the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers & & Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

TRUMP 100 DAYS

Professor of Peace Studies and the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers & & Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

CHINESE CARRIERS

BFBS Defence analyst Christopher Lee

ONE HUNDREDTH ARMY NAVY RUGBY MATCH

BFBS Sports Editor Jon Knighton

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep April 13th 2017 

Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee.

Sitrep April 13th 2017 

In today’s Sitrep – there’s more reaction to last week's chemical weapons attack in Syria and how it's affecting US/Russian relations.

Find out how North Korea is testing the Trump administration and why the Royal Marines are to be restructured.

And, it's a 100 years this week that America entered the First World War...

TOPICS

SYRIA – CHEMICAL WEAPONS/RUSSIA/US

Chemical Weapons expert  Hamish De Bretton Gordon is a

Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science at Southern Utah University and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

NORTH KOREA

Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science at Southern Utah University and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

ROYAL MARINES

Former Royal Marine and Special Boat Service officer, Lord Paddy Ashdown

WW1 & US INVOLVEMENT

Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science at Southern Utah University and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep April 6th 2017 

Chemical weapons in Syria. What happened? Who’s right, who’s wrong and what next?

Find out what British troops are doing on Exercise Desert Warrior in Kuwait,
and what the Royal Engineers are doing in famine hit South Sudan?

One year in the job – Kate Gerbeau talks to the Service Complaints Ombudsman after she publishes her first Annual Report.

And all the Queen's Soldiers...Why the Royal Lancers now belong to Elizabeth.

GUESTS: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Topics:

Syria/Russia/America
Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Dr Karin von Hippel and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning speaking from South Sudan.

Interview with the Service Complaints Ombudsman, Nicola Williams.

The Royal Lancers - renamed

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 30th March 2017 

This week:

We ask who bombed civilians in Mosul was it IS fighters or coalition aircraft?

Brexit has been triggered but why is the Prime Minister threatening to pull terrorist intelligence?

Hear how the Royal Navy is fighting back against the hackers.

And on the day the National Army Museum is re-opened to the public, we talk about the “little guys” – Britain’s 139 small regimental museums.

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

The Times Correspondent Michael Evans

BBC World Service political Correspondent Rob Watson

Managing Director of Airbus Cyber Security in the UK Ian Goslin

The Antiques Roadshow Militaria expert Mark Smith

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 23rd March 2017 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 23rd March (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

Terror at Westminster…how did it happen and what can be done?  Who was the attacker and what’s the bigger picture?  Can modern terrorism attacks destroy democracy?  Listen to Sitrep to get all the latest defence analysis.

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Professor Michael Clarke, formerly Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

Professor Anthony Glees, Director, Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham

Major General Julian Thompson, a former Royal Marine Commander who served in Northern Ireland and now a visiting Professor at King's College London.

Charlie Winter, Senior research fellow at The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King’s College, London.

Michael Pregent, a former US Intelligence Officer and advisor to the Peshmerga.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) On Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep March 16th 2017 

Marine A: did the Royal Marine's higher command fail?

Why Putin's generals are watching British troops in Estonia,

What can British troops do about famine in South Sudan?

And its 100 years since the start of the Russian Revolution - but why isn’t Moscow celebrating?

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Sitrep March 3rd 2017 

On the day the Queen unveils the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial, Sitrep reflects on three wars in which 682 British Service personnel died. Find out the Soldier’s view, the Ambassador’s view and the Veteran’s view in a special programme presented by Kate Gerbeau.

GUESTS: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

MEMORIAL

Paul Osbourne rounds up the day’s events.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Rory Higgins and Susie Ferguson reporting for BFBS in March 2003

LIEUTENANT GENERAL SIR GRAEME LAMB

Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb was appointed General Officer Commanding 3rd (UK) Mechanised Division in the summer of 2003 - the start of the Iraq War. 

SIR WILLIAM PATEY

Sir William Patey, a former British Ambassador to Iraq and later Afghanistan.

AFGHANISTAN VETERAN ROAYL MARINE CASSIDY LITTLE

Reflection on his military career.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep March 2nd 2017 

Why is Mr Trump handing out 54 billion dollars to the Pentagon?

Why a group of MPs says we must maintain relations with the Russians.

The RAF in the Middle East – why it’s a minute by minute operation

And - what can British troops expect when they deploy to famine struck South Sudan?

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

TRUMP

Dr Karin Von Hippel, Director General at the Royal United Services Institute.

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

BFBS reporter James Hirst interview with Foreign Affairs Committee chairman  Crispin Blunt.

OP SHADER

BFBS reporter Simon Newton in Cyprus talks to British Major General Rupert Jones, deputy commander for the Combined Joint Task Force.

SOUTH SUDAN

Sitrep producer Josella Waldron interview with the BBC’s Africa Correspondent Alastair Leithead

Al Qaeda

Charles Lister is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep February 23rd 2017 

The latest on what’s happening in the fight to take back Mosul from IS fighters.

How British troops will soon be helping people in famine-hit South Sudan…

Find out why British troops are being warned about honey traps, staged brawls and social media infiltration in Estonia.

And Sitrep speaks to a former Army officer who has the ear of the USA’s new Security Advisor.

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

MOSUL

Michael a former US Intelligence Officer and advisor to the Peshmerga.

SOUTH SUDAN

David Lomuria, a correspondent for Feature Story News in the capital Juba.

HONEY TRAP

Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov

LIEUTENANT GENERAL HR MCMASTER

Retired Major General Andrew Mackay commanded British forces in in Afghanistan.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep February 16th 2017 

What was on the agenda at today’s NATO meeting? Sitrep gets reaction from the Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon.

Has China lost all influence on North Korea?

Find out what the Marines are up to in Norway…

And waiting for justice - how long will it be before war crimes in Syria are dealt with in court?

GUESTS: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

NATO

Charlotte Banks interview with the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

MARINES - ARCTIC TRAINING

Rebecca Ricks reporting on Exercise Clockwork in Northern Norway,

NORTH KOREA - NEIL DALL

Emil Dall, Research Fellow in the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme at the Royal United Services Institute.

WAR CRIMES

Professor David Crane was the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he indicted the Liberian President Charles Taylor.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 9th February 2017 

In this week’s Sitrep, we ask why Donald Trump hasn’t got round to calling the Chinese President yet, and what that might say for US-China relations.

Plus we look at the President’s promise to boost defence spending.

We hear from a former head of the Army, ahead of the publication of a report into the investigation into abuse allegations in Iraq.

And after a minister warned more British troops could be sent to Afghanistan, we hear from a former captain who served three tours there.

GUESTS: General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff; Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, former First Sea Lord, Scott Lucas, professor of American Studies at Birmingham University; Doug Beattie, former Army Captain

Thursday 1630 on BFBS Radio 2, 1830 on BFBS & UK bases, plus anytime afterwards online, or via the podcast.

Sitrep February 2nd 2017 

Presented by Kate Gerbeau

In today’ Sitrep there’s reaction and analysis as human rights lawyer, Phil Shiner, is struck off.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is in disarray – so is this a good time for peace?

The Royal Navy leads the combined Naval Task Force in the Gulf for the first time.

Trump's defence secretary, 'Mad Dog' Mattis, starts work in the far east.

And Very Lynne’s new album to celebrate her 100th Birthday.

PHIL SHINER

Interview with MP and former British Army Officer Johnny Mercer

TALIBAN  

Professor Theo Farrell & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

HMS OCEAN

BFBS reporter Simon Newton

US RELATIONS ABROAD

Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern Utah, Michael Stathis...

VERA LYNNE

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep January 26th 2017 

Teresa May's will be the first foreign leader to meet Donald Trump, but who's going to get the most out of it?

And do the comparisons with Mrs Thatcher and President Reagan mean anything or is this going to be a very different relationship

NATO forges friendships in the Middle East with a new HQ in Kuwait.

Meet the women of the US Marine Corps and hear all about the Norwegian Military Experiment - how one unit tried a 50/50 gender split with surprising results.

GUESTS:

DONALD TRUMP & TERESA MAY VISIT

Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of the Royal United Services & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper interview with General David Perkins, commander of US Army training and Doctrine – discussing Brexit and US politics.

NATO

Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of the Royal United Services & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

US MARINES

As the UK prepares to accept the first females into its own infantry, Hannah King has been taking a look at how the US Marines incorporate females.

NORWEGIAN ARMY

Elisabeth Braw, senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 19th January 2017 

Tomorrow Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States of America.  In a special edition of Sitrep, Kate Gerbeau will ask “Should we be frightened?”

A panel of experts are going to look at what Trump’s time as President & Commander in Chief of the American Armed Forces could mean for the rest of the world. 

Will he forge closer ties with Russia?

What will he do about NATO?

What about Syria?

And why is he so against China? 

Find out the answers to those questions and many more in today’s Sitrep………………………….

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Former BBC Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall.  Bridget has spent a lot of time in Washington and Moscow and is an expert on Russian politics. 

Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham Scott Lucas who can talk extensively about US foreign policy and the Middle East. 

Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute.  Karin was formally Chief of Staff to the US General John Allen when he was special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter Isil. 

Simon Marks from Feature Story – our man in Washington who can tell us all about what we can expect at tomorrow’s inauguration ceremony.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep January 12th 2017 

Russian aggression has triggered the deployment of American forces to Poland but is it necessary?

President-elect Trump -  what’s really going on and who’s side is he on?

Could we see more German boots on the ground in Europe?

What part does Britain play in the Talks to re-unify Cyprus?

And War through the eyes of the correspondent.  The Times man in the blue body-armour tells all……

Other interviews

POLAND AND TRUMP

Former Defence and Pentagon Correspondent for The Times Michael Evans

GERMAN BOOTS ON GROUND

Elisabeth Braw, senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Dr Aurel Sari – A lecturer in the law of armed conflict at Exeter University.

CYPRUS TALKS

BFBS reporter in Cyprus, Simon Newton

WAR REPORTING

Former Defence and Pentagon Correspondent for The Times Michael Evans

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep January 5th 2017 

In today’s Sitrep what’s in store for the year ahead?  For starters, there’s IS, Trump and Brexit. Plus....Why Russia's got the hots for the arctic, why more Irish nationals are joining the British Army….and, why Hitler's back in the bestseller list. 

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau 

Studio guests: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee Other interviews  

NEW YEAR THREAT 

BFBS Reporter James Hirst, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.< 

ARCTIC 

Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers 

IRISH RECRUITMENT TO BRITISH ARMY 

Belfast journalist and author David McKittrick 

NORTH KOREA 

Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee. 

MEIN KAMPF  

Professor Dr. Magnus Brechtken, from the Institute for Contemporary History in Munich website

Sitrep December 15th 2016 

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Sitrep December 8th 2016 

The Head of MI6 ‘C’ speaks publicly for the first time – and warns that Russia's actions in Syria will have tragic consequences...

Find out what the PM, Teresa May got up to in Bahrain and what the Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, said about Saudi Arabia

Plus - how NATO and the EU have overcome years of rivalry to work more closely together

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Other interviews

HEAD OF MI6

BFBS Reporter James Hirst and Sir David Omand, a former Director of GCHQ

BAHRAIN/SAUDI ARABIA

BFBS Reporter James Hirst interview with Teresa May and analysis by Professor Michael Clarke former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

IRAQ/SYRIA

Professor Michael Clarke former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

EU & NATO

Professor Michael Clarke former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep December 1st 2016 

The MOD is proposing a major change to the way service personnel and their families are housed.  This week Sitrep look at the pros and cons and speaks exclusively to the head of the army, General Sir Nick Carter about housing and the current state of the Army.

Also this week, shipbuilding  - why has the government been told to get a grip?  Sitrep also hears from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones,

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Other interviews

SERVICES’ HOUSING

BFBS Reporter Charlotte Banks

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nick Carter

SHIPBUILDING

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones

Naval Historian and security analyst Professor Eric Grove.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast

Sitrep November 24th 2016 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 24th November

President-elect Trump is putting his cabinet together – but who’ll be the new Secretary of State for Defense?

Where’s Russia heading with its nuclear trains?

Why the NATO Secretary General says he has confidence that America will continue to support the Alliance.

What's the latest from Mosul?

And what does the Chancellors Autumn Statement mean for the military?

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Other interviews 24th November

Trump Cabinet

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Conservative MP and Army Reservist Tom Tugendhat

RUSSIA

Former British Ambassador to Russia, Sir Tony Brenton

NATO

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

MOSUL

Michael Pregent, former US intelligence officer and now an adjunct fellow at the Hudson Institute

AUTUMN STATEMENT

BFBS Reporter, James Hirst

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 10th November 2016 

SITREP Thursday 10^TH November

America has voted and Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States.

So what next?

This week Sitrep looks at what this means for the rest of the world….

Will the new President stick with old alliances or forge new ones?

Will he sign up to NATO?

What does this mean for US military commitments around the world?

Those are just some of the questions Kate Gerbeau will be asking a panel of experts.

You can listen at 1830, Thursday on Forces Radio, BFBS.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Karin Von Hippel = Director of the Royal United Services Institute

Mike Evans, former Times Pentagon Correspondent

BFBS reporter James Hirst

Simon Marks from Feature Story in Washington.

Sitrep November 3rd 2016 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 3^rd November

Cyber warfare – a huge investment was announced this week but who are we protecting ourselves from?

Iraq – a special insight into what went on post-invasion in 2003.

America goes to the polls and but is the FBI calling the vote?

The Russian Aircraft carrier - can it really swing the war for Assad?

And poppies, why is there always a row?

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Tim Cooper

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

CYBER SECURITY

Dr Madeline Carr of Cardiff University

IRAQ

Sir Jeremy Greenstock , formerly the UK's Permanent Representative to the UN, and Britain's lead administrator in Iraq in the aftermath of the coalition invasion.

US ELECTIONS

Michael Stathis, Professor of politics at the University of Southern Utah.

KUTZNETZOV -RUSSIA

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

POPPIES

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 27th October 2016 

*** TIM COOPER PRESENTS TODAY ***

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 27th  October

NATO expresses concern at Russian aggression and  the UK is deploying more forces to eastern Europe – what’s the significance of the latest announcements?

Iraqi forces continue to push towards Mosul -  but what will happen after the city is retaken?

The met office celebrates 100 years of military weather forecasting …..

And Ian Hislop speaks about his play based on a newspaper created by soldiers at the Battle of the Somme.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Tim Cooper

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

NATO BALTICS

Tony King, Professor in War Studies at the University of Warwick

UKRAINE

or Andrew Foxall is Director of the Russia Studies Centre at The Henry Jackson Society

MOSUL

Dr Lina Khatib - Head of the Middle East Programme at Chatham House

MET OFFICE

Catherine Ross, Archivist at the Met Office

WIPERS TIMES

Ian Hislop

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep October 20th 2016 

Could what happens in Mosul determine Iraq’s future?

Why investment into Cyber defence is critical to prevent an attack on the UK’s military equipment and systems.

Plus: What happened in Vegas in The final TV showdown for Trump and Clinton

And – your chance to crack secret codes from GCHQ.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

MOSUL

Michael Pregent (Pree-gent) a former US intelligence officer and now an adjunct fellow at the Hudson Institute - a US think tank

CYBER

Professor Michael Clarke, forrmer Director General of the Royal United Service Institute.

US ELEX DEBATE

Simon Marks from Feature Story News.

GCHQ PUZZLE BOOK

Mike, one of the authors and puzzle creators.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep October 13th 2016 

Discussions are underway about further British military action to combat the crisis in Syria,

In Yemen, the humanitarian situation worsens as Iran becomes involved.

Find out what keeps The Chief of the Air Staff awake at night.

And we hear from the latest in a quick succession of Labour Shadow Defence Ministers

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

SYRIA/RUSSIA

Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR STEPHEN HILLIER

Interview with BFBS Reporter James Hirst..

YEMEN

Former British Ambassador to Yemen and now head of the Middle East Region at Christian Aid.

SHADOW LABOUR DEFENCE SECRETARY NIA GRIFFITH

Kate Gerbeau interview

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 6th October 2016 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 6th October

How long can Russia’s President Putin support President Assad in Syria?

The Prime Minister says British Forces are a special case when it comes to human rights prosecutions - but is she right?

Plus, find out what HMS Ocean is doing on Exercise Albanian Lion.

And, what's it REALLY like to work for MI5?  A former soldier gives us an insider’s view

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

SYRIA/RUSSIA/US

Professor of Peace Studies Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford

And BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

EXERCISE ALBANIAN LION

Captain Rob Pedre commander of HMS Ocean,

HUMAN RIGHTS/BRITISH FORCES

BFBS Reporter James Hirst talking to Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon

Soldier, Spy – book review

Former Mi5 agent, Tom Marcus - author of Soldier, Spy

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 29th September 2016 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 29th  September (Kate presents)

Why is the RAF sending Typhoons to South Korea?

Who's winning the war of words over Syria - Moscow or Washington?

What's the Big Idea which will shape the future of the British Army?

And, Yemen's forgotten war - is Saudi Arabia targeting civilians using British made bombs?

Sitrep 22nd September 2016 

On the show this week:

British troops face a fresh wave of criminal investigations into alleged abuse in Afghanistan.

Could Islamic State will be out of Iraq within months?

In a world at war, yesterday was world peace day – but who knew?

UN Peacekeeping - who writes the rules for the soldiers on the ground?

And are you looking for a new job?  Try MI6  -  find out more on Sitrep.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

IHAT – criminal investigations

BFBS Reporter Charlotte Banks

HCDC Report – Lewis

BFBS Reporter James Hirst interview with Commons Defence Committee Chairman Julian Lewis.

Syria Ceasefire

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

UN Peacekeeping

Colonel Richard Westley, talks about his new book "Operation Insanity: The Dramatic True Story of the Mission that Saved Ten Thousand Lives."

World peace

Dan Smith who is Director of SIPRI - that's the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Sitrep 15th September 2016 

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 15th  September

In Syria the cease-fire appears to holding, but will it make any difference long-term?

There are fresh calls for a new European Army - but not everyone wants one.

It's a hundred years since the first tank went into battle, do we still need them today

And why the American military is facing an obesity crisis.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

SYRIA CEASEFIRE

Hamish de Bretton Gordon, a former Army Officer who now advises NGOs in Syria, and BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee

EU DEFENCE

anthony King is Professor of War Studies at the University of Warwick.

DEFENCE SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

100 YEARS OF TANKS

David Willey is Curator of the Tank Museum

FAT US TROOPS

Former Royal Marine, triple amputee and now peak performance coach Mark Ormrod.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep September 8th 2016 

Keeping the peace – what’s happening at the UN Peacekeeping Conference in London?

Find out about the US Presidential candidates’ defence policies,

And, how Russia might try and disrupt the American elections. 

Also this week, is the IS propaganda machine running out of steam?

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

UN Peacekeeping Conference

BFBS reporter James Hirst

South Sudan

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

US Presidential elections

Simon Marks from Feature Story News

Russia spying

Dana Priest, an investigative writer for the Washington Post

ISIS Media

Charlie Winter, associate fellow for the International Centre for Counter-terrorism, at the Hague

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Sitrep 1st September 2016 

Why the former head of the Army has apologised over the malaria drug.

Why Pakistan has a crucial role to play in Afghanistan’s stability.

Why employers are being given an insight into Army training in Croatia

And, should British military personnel who are wounded or killed in service be awarded with a medal based on America's Purple Heart?

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: TIM COOPER

Studio guests: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & military historian, Major General Julian Thompson.

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

LARIAM

Colonel Andrew Marriott (who was prescribed lariam)

BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee. & military historian Major General Julian Thompson.

AFGHANISTAN

Anthony King is Professor in War Studies at the University of Warwick.

PAKISTAN

Kyle Orton - a Middle East analyst and Research Fellow with the think tank the Henry Jackson Society.

EU ARMY

Military historian Major General Julian Thompson.

CROATIA/Army Reserves

BFBS Reporter Ali Gibson

MILITARY MEDAL

BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee.

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.