BFBS Radio Sitrep

The Prime Minister says we are going to have to spend more, faster, on defence. But his government hasn't even decided how it will spend the money already in the budget, despite promising the plan months ago.Sitrep explains why the growing delays are a big problem for some defence firms, and therefore the Armed Forces they supply, as the ADS trade body tells us small business liquidations are at a 30-year high.Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne shares the Westminster whispers on when these vital decisions could finally be taken, and whether any more money could be found.And Mike explains what US Forces are being massed around Iran, plus what that tells us about any military action that might happen.

The Prime Minister chose a stage in front of dozens of fellow world leaders to announce he's sending HMS Prince of Wales to lead a carrier strike group to the arctic. But why?The US changed it's tone towards Europe, but not it's criticisms, after last year's bombshell speech by J.D. Vance.And President Zelensky told the world that Ukraine will only accept a “real” peace.Simon Newton and Professor Michael Clarke explain what we've learned, and what if anything has been achieved, at this key event for Defence.They break down the key moments, and what they mean, with the help of Lt. Gen (retd) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General US Army Europe, and Oana Lungescu who spent 13 years at the heart of NATO.

A reshuffle of who-commands-what in NATO puts a British General in charge of the only NATO operation on US soil, while an American will take over at Maritime Command in the UK.Tim Henry explains all about the UK's new command in Norfolk, Virginia, from his time as Deputy Commander there, and former senior NATO official Jamie Shea explains the wider moves to put Europeans in charge of joint operations while the US leads all force components.The Chief of Defence Staff says he wants NATO postings to improve promotion prospects rather than hamper them, but what needs to change?And as the CIA shutters its publicly available “World Factbook” Mike tells us why he thinks it's a big loss.

Despite temperatures below -20C attacks are targeting not just electricity and gas infrastructure in Ukraine, but heating plants which supply thousands of homes at a time.Is there any military logic or justification? Colin Freeman updates us from the city of Kharkiv, and Simon Newton explains how the extreme cold affects everything from drone batteries to the targeting of artillery shells.As the final nuclear-arms-control treaty between Russia and the US expires, Professor Michael Clarke explains why Britain's nuclear deterrent has just become more important.And after a doubling of drone-sightings near UK military bases will new powers for the Armed Forces to shoot them down be the solution, or is that too low-tech?

Much buzz about a possible NATO Arctic Sentry operation helped calm Donald Trump's talk of taking over Greenland, and the UK is one of the big backers. But do we have enough troops properly trained to operate in some of the world's harshest conditions Ex-Royal Marine Tip Cullen shares the hard realities, including freezing eyeballs, while former Infantry officer Ed Arnold assesses whether it would be a worthwhile use of troops. As a project leader is sacked, and the Defence Secretary says it's nearly “back or scrap” time for the Ajax armoured vehicle programme, former tank commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon gives his verdict from a test drive. And Professor Michael Clarke has read the new US Defense Strategy so you don't have to. Spoiler alert – it namechecks President Trump more than fifty times, but says nothing about troop numbers.

Donald Trump crossed a line by threatening economic warfare against the UK and other allies. He may have backed down, for now, but former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace says we should be preparing for the potential of the US turning its back on NATO. From nuclear missiles, to fighter jets and spare parts Professor Michael Clarke and Matthew Savill, a former policy chief in the MoD, explain our Armed Forces' dependence on the US and how it could be de-risked. It also raises yet more questions about US commitment to back any Ukraine peace plan. Sitrep shares the latest from the battlefield, and hears from Ukrainian soldiers buying kit from a new Amazon-style online store, with incentive programmes to shape and monitor how they fight.

The Chief of Defence Staff refuses to say cuts are coming, but has confirmed there isn't enough money for everything they want to do to make the Armed Forces war-ready and transformed for a high-tech future. Professor Michael Clarke and former RAF Deputy Director of Operations Greg Bagwell explain the “hard choices” once again facing defence, with the vital Defence Investment Plan still not ready.We've also learned that there isn't a national defence plan for the event of war, but one is being worked on. Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne explains why new rules making it easier to call up veterans are a key part of that.And Alex Baker MP tells Kate Gerbeau why she's lobbying for a new Defence Investment and Resilience bank, and how she thinks it could ease the money worries.

In his 22 year army career Ash Alexander-Cooper was shot multiple times, targeted by a suicide bomber, and caught in numerous explosions. But he has taken those traumatic moments, learnt from them, and now uses those experiences to help others with leadership and resilience.Now he's teamed up with leading neuropsychologist Dr Jessica Miller for a new book, “Mindful Soldier”, which tells the stories of Ash's experiences and explains the science of how our brains manage such extreme moments.They tell Kate Gerbeau how we can all use techniques, from squaddie humour to “helicopter view”, to adapt and thrive when we face life's challenges.(Author profits from Mindful Soldier will support the Royal British Veterans Enterprise charity, and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. It is available from their stores at https://rbveshop.org/products/mindful-soldier-ash-alexander-cooper and https://www.gwt.org.uk/ )

Denmark says US threats to take Greenland by force would ‘end' NATO. Does NATO have any plan to deal with an ally-on-ally attack? Which side would the UK take if it happened? Or is it all just about Trump's “art of the deal”? Former UK ambassador to NATO Lord Ricketts shares his insights.The US was said to have finally offered a security backstop for Ukraine when the UK and France formally signed-off their intent to put boots on the ground for any peace deal. But when you look at the detail, is there anything actually new there?And why did a fleet of US special-operations aircraft fly into the UK this week? Was it just for the seizure of an oil-tanker, might it have something to do with Iran, or is it all an attempt to distract from something else?

It's seven years since the jihadists' caliphate was brought to a complete end, but IS continues to attack in Syria and there are signs of a potential resurgence.The RAF and French Air Force have just bombed what they believe was an underground weapons and explosives store.Yet the US led coalition against IS, including the UK's Operation Shader, is supposed to be winding down in 2026.Dr. Charlie Winter, chief research officer of the intelligence platform ExTrac, explains how the fall of President Assad has allowed IS a year of rebuilding, and why the US and UK should not take their eyes off the ball.

The outcome of the Ukraine war is arguably the most immediate key to our security in the UK, and if the fighting ends our Armed Forces may be sent to Ukraine to secure not just its future but also ours.At the same time the Chief of Defence Staff has warned we all need to be prepared for the possibility of war coming to the UK.So what kind of year does this set out for Britain's servicemen and women?Former Army Officer Dominic Nicholls, now Associate Editor for Defence at The Telegraph, explains why they may be facing their biggest ask since the Falklands War.

President Trump's “America First” agenda has now been translated into an official security strategy with Europe at the bottom of the list.Will that mean big moves of US military capability away from Europe in 2026, even as war rages in Ukraine?How should the rest of NATO adapt, and how will Russia respond?Retired US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges explains the picture right now, and how it could change over the next year.

China is the world's fastest growing military power and likes to keep the world guessing.Might it use that military power against Taiwan in 2026, or will this standoff remain the dog that doesn't bark?Will the crisis between Japan and China remain a diplomatic one, or could harsh words become hard action? And might tensions in the South China Sea boil over?Dr Zeno Leoni, author of “Grand Strategy and The Rise of China” and a lecturer at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, shares his thoughts on what lies ahead.

Britain's Armed Forces go into 2026 with two big missions, become war-ready and transform for a high-tech future.There's also the possibility of being deployed to Ukraine, if and when the fighting ends, and as always responding to unexpected events.Retired General Sir Richard Barrons, one of the authors of the Strategic Defence Review, explains the tasks, challenges, and events that will face servicemen and women in 2026.

Global tensions are high going into 2026, but will they tip over into fighting and if so, where?Could a battered and bruised Iran hit back against the US and Israel? Will we face a resurgence of jihadist terrorism? And after the most serious clash between India and Pakistan for half a century in 2025, what could be the big surprise of the next 12 months?Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor for The Economist, tells us where he's watching and why for the next big conflict.

Could hundreds or thousands of British troops be sent to Ukraine to support a peace plan in 2026? If there's no deal how can Ukraine turn the tide of Russian gains? And where in the world might we see a new major conflict break out?Sitrep brings together some of the finest minds in defence to assess what the year ahead holds.Will Moldova suffer a stealth invasion of “little green men”? Would we intervene if it did? And have we taken the eye off the ball of global terrorist threats?The Chief of Defence Staff says none of us can tell what the “absolute risk” might be, but that “trends are clear”. Professor Micheal Clarke, Kate Gerbeau and friends explain where those trends are pointing

Donald Trump's new National Security Strategy prioritises improving relations with Russia and China, while calling for resistance to “weak leaders” in Europe.Professor Michael Clarke explains why he thinks this will embolden Russia rather than giving it an incentive to de-escalate, and former US State Department insider Dr Karin von Hippel assesses what it could mean for the US military footprint in Europe.The head of the Royal Navy has warned we're “only just holding on” against Russia deep in the Atlantic. Former submarine captain Ryan Ramsey explains why the service is struggling, while Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne reveals how and why the First Sea Lord's speech has caused big waves in Whitehall.And our sovereign bases in Cyprus have played a key role in almost every major British overseas operation in living memory. So why did the UK nearly abandon them 50 years ago?

When a Greek military coup and Turkish invasion plunged Cyprus into a bloody conflict, more than 30,000 British military personnel and their dependents were caught up in the crisis.They didn't want to be part of the fighting, but came perilously close to being dragged in, more than once.Kate Gerbeau talks to historian Andrew Southam about his new book, which sheds new light on those events and how they led the government of the time to consider our Cyprus bases “a liability”.

The Royal Navy is “vulnerable to promoting toxic leaders”. This is not a warning from a pressure group, or a critical MPs report, it has come from the new First Sea Lord.Former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe shares personal experiences to explain why and how leadership assessment could be overhauled, and how he thinks it can learn from civilian organisations.Germany is spending big on defence and doing it quickly, while the UK's transformation is much slower but has much more strategic thinking. Could we combine our strengths to overcome our weaknesses?And the Royal Navy's biggest deployment for decades has concluded. After more than 7 months and 40,000 miles, has the 2025 carrier strike group shown British strength or exposed fragility?

Just two weeks after being declared safe, with a squadron ready to go, a “Do Not Use” order has been issued for Ajax armoured vehicles, because of more noise and vibration injuries.James Wharton from BFBS Forces News, who used to drive the vehicles Ajax is supposed to replace, reveals the levels of concern among troops and Professor Michael Clarke explains why this is looking like a huge problem for the Army.The MoD says rules of engagement have been updated after the Russian spy-ship Yantar aimed a laser at an RAF plane. From playground-games to bumper-cars, retired Commodore Steve Prest explains the options they may have taken.And can a digital-first hybrid-navy make up for gaps in the surface fleet, amid new signs of delays to the UK's next-generation frigate?

Investigations into past actions by British forces, from Northern Ireland to Afghanistan, are damaging morale, leading some to quit the forces, and threatening our national security. So said 8 retired generals and a retired Air Marshal in an open letter calling on the government to “restore legal clarity” with a “new honest framework”Sitrep asks how do we can ensure servicemen and women have confidence they won't be dragged through inquiries, or court, for doing their job properly?Kate and Mike talk to the Reverend Nicholas Mercer, who was Commander Legal for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and former Army officer turned barrister Patrick Hennessey. They explain how legal decisions worked when they were in uniform and the need to balance protections with accountability when wrongdoing happens.

As Russian troops battle to secure their most significant gain in Ukraine in over a yar – we look at how they're drawing on deception tactics from the second world war.Also, the world's largest warship arrives in the Caribbean as the US continues to strike suspected drugs-trafficking boats in the region – have concerns over the legality of that action led Britain to stop some intelligence sharing with its US ally?And –The Army's first new armoured fighting vehicle in 30 years – what will the deployment of Ajax mean for today's battlefield?

Donald Trump's suggested the US could restart explosive tests of nuclear weapons, after more than 30 years. Is this a symptom of a nuclear arms race already underway, or could it kickstart one?William Alberque, who has played a leading role in NATO's nuclear policies, and Jon Wolfsthal who advised President Obama, share their thoughts on whether the US is about to break a global ban on detonations, and what that could mean for us all.Sitrep also explains how atomic weapons have been tested and verified, without explosions, since the 1990s.And as the UK develops a new nuclear warhead in parallel with the US, Professor Michael Clarke assesses whether any testing row could drag Britain in by association.

The multibillion-pound deal to deliver nuclear powered submarines for the UK and Australia is facing questions just four years into the decades long plan. In the UK there are amber and red warnings for building the boats and propulsion systems, for its part the US is struggling to build enough Virginia class subs, and Australia faces a monumental challenge to be ready for its first nuclear vessels. So will the Royal Navy be asked to do more in the Pacific for longer, while also having to wait for gaps in its submarine capability to be filled? Kate and Mike are joined by former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe and senior defence researcher Sophia Gaston to assess the risks, the potential consequences, and how they could be avoided or at least mitigated.

Mike and Sian talk to Bernard Cornwell, creator of Napoleonic Wars Rifleman Richard Sharpe and Uhtred, the unforgettable hero of the Last Kingdom series. Bernard tells Sitrep about the 25th Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Storm, his admiration for today's armed forces and why he wouldn't want to write about any modern day conflicts. He also reveals he's writing a new book about Uhtred and lifts the lid on whether his latest book is the final ever Sharpe novel.(This podcast contains some strong language)

Three and a half years into Ukraine's fight for survival against Russia, it has offered to freeze the front lines in return for peace talks. But Russia's not biting, so Sitrep explains where those front lines are right now and where the military momentum is pressing hardest, to understand where the war might go next as winter approaches.Ukrainian journalist Roman Pahulych shares insights from his time with troops close to the front lines while John Foreman, former Defence Attaché to Kyiv, explains how new sanctions could still bite at Moscow's military capabilities.

The blueprint for the UK's Armed Forces depends on data from every military sensor being available to every person who needs it.Whether the information comes from the battlefield, space, or cyberspace, and whether it's required at the front-line, PJHQ, in a cockpit or deep in the ocean.The Digital Targeting Web is meant to be up and running in the next couple of years, but how will it work and what will it mean for troops at the sharp end?Also on Sitrep what difference could US Tomahawk cruise missiles make to Ukraine, as President Trump hints he might be prepared to supply “the Daddy of missiles”?And as the US Navy celebrates its 250th birthday a Royal Navy veteran, who spent two years on exchange, tells us what makes the American maritime force tick.

The government has promised thousands of drones will make the armed forces stronger and safer, but is refusing to say how many of them it's ordered over the last year.Professor Michael Clarke analyses the numbers that are available and explains why Ukraine shouldn't be treated as a template for the future, even though drones are here to stay.Sitrep also talks to the new Veterans & Defence People Minister, Louise Sandher-Jones, about how she plans to tackle accommodation and recruitment problems from her own experience of service.And Brigadier Ben Barry tells us about joining the dots of his career for his new book, chronicling the rise and fall of the army over the last 50 years.

After a 37 year career in the Army Brigadier Ben Barry became one of the UK's most respected land warfare researchers and analysts.Now he's drawn together his experiences in and out of uniform to write a new history of the British Army over the last half century.It tells the stories not just of the major operations and battles but also big exercises, and plans which came to nothing.He tells Kate Gerbeau how it helped him join the dots to understand not only the successes and failures of given moments, but to see the whole arc and how that could help the Army rise again to face the next 50 years.

As well as condemning “fat” generals and “woke” policies US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has told America's top officers they must end a ‘poisonous culture of risk aversion'.Sitrep separates the warfighting logic from the culture-war politics and assesses whether UK defence could benefit from being prepared to take greater risks.We also examine the cost of silence for special forces, and explain how their bond of secrecy could stand in the way of getting mental health help.And as the largest collection of Victoria Crosses is taken off display, to make way for other museum exhibits, retired Major General Tim Cross and historian Lucy Betteridge-Dyson discuss how best preserve the stories of gallantry behind these medals.

The Foreign Secretary says we will “confront” Russian planes after repeated invasions of NATO airspace. Donald Trump says they should be shot down.Sitrep talks to former RAF pilot Air Marshal Greg Bagwell about how intercepts are carried out, the options for pilots, and the risks involved.Kate and Mike also talk to Keir Giles, who advises governments on Moscow's military mindset, about what it hoped to achieve with drones over Poland, and fighter jets in Estonian airspace.And after President Trump's big U-turn any hope of Ukraine peace talks appears to be over, so Mike explains what both sides are planning for the next phase of the war.

RAF Typhoons join an air defence operation following Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. They'll work with allied forces, including France, and Germany, helping to defend the eastern flank as part of Nato's Eastern Sentry. Sitrep digs deep with Forces News reporter Simon Newton.Also President Trump's state visit to the UK is breaking military ceremonial records. Sitrep talks to General Sir Nick Parker, former deputy commander of ISAF, about how intertwined UK forces are with US ones.And as world events are brought directly to our mobile devices Sitrep speaks to the author of a book looking at how the military must adapt to fighting wars with the smartphone.Kate Gerbeau presents, with expert analysis from Dr Karin von Hippel.

The new Chief of Defence Staff has told defence industry they need to “step up” and do more to make Britain's Armed Forces ready for warfighting.Sitrep is at one of the world's largest defence equipment exhibitions to see the latest military technology, and assess the role of defence firms in deterring or winning a war.Ministers want help ending “stupid rules”, top brass want kit quicker, and shareholders want their returns. Can they all be delivered as one?Retired Major General Neil Sexton and Thales Chief Technology officer Mike Sewart join Kate and Mike to explain what changes have already happened, and what's still needed.

China's released 80,000 doves at the end of its 80th anniversary victory day parade, but the messaging of military might was far louder than appeals for peace.Professor Michael Clarke and defence analyst Dr James Bosbotinis explain what new hardware Beijing chose to show off, what the hypersonic missiles and uncrewed jets mean for its military capability, and the significance of who was (and who wasn't) in the VIP seats.The Northern Ireland Secretary says Britain and Ireland are “close” to agreeing a new plan for the legacy of the troubles. But what will it mean for veterans of Northern Ireland?And what was once called the final-frontier is now expected to be the first-frontline for future wars. Sitrep explains the rapid weaponisation of space.

Oslo is spending £10bn to equip itself with five Type 26 frigates – a big vote of confidence in these submarine hunters already being built for the Royal Navy.But it will also mean the already-stretched timeline to deliver the Navy's eight new frigates becomes even longer.Former Director of Navy Acquisition, Commodore Steve Prest, explains what cutting edge capabilities of the Type 26 that persuaded Norway to buy British, how the delays might impact Britain's maritime capability, and why despite that he thinks it's still good news for the Royal Navy.

Sitrep analyses open-source intelligence which shows an uptick in secretive surveillance flights, by the UK, US and Russia, in the High North and over the Baltic. Defence Analyst and former infantry officer Ed Arnold explains the possibilities behind the activity, and we hear first hand from NATO's Arctic Ocean patrols. Could peat-bogs be used as tank-traps to help protect Eastern Europe from Russian invasion? We hear from Estonia where they're looking at potential spin-off benefits from their plan to tackle climate change. And BBC weather forecaster Simon King draws on his RAF experience to explain the science of weather manipulation, and whether militaries could ever hope to use it to their advantage.

Sitrep digs deep into the implications for the British military of a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The Defence Secretary has laid out Britain's preparedness to put boots on the ground and provide reassurance at sea and in the air. So this time on Sitrep – how does Britain plan for that moment, and what's its part in guaranteeing Ukraine's future security? We hear from former Chief of the Defence Staff Field Marshal Lord Richards and Former Army intelligence officer and military planner, Philip Ingram. And ‘battlefield robotics' – what's already out there giving soldiers an edge? And what are the dangers? Dr Simona Soare, Professor in Strategy and Technology at Lancaster University, joins the show. Kate Gerbeau presents, with expert analysis from Professor Michael Clarke.

80 years ago General Bill Slim accepted the surrender of Japan, marking the end of World War Two, after leading the 14th Army to victory in Burma.He is regarded by many as Britain's greatest general, but how did he achieve what others believed to be impossible?A veteran tells Sitrep what made the Burma campaign so hard and why General Slim was so well regarded, while Viscount Mark Slim gives us a rare tour of the artefacts which reveal his grandfather's place in history.Military historians Dr Robert Lyman and Phil Craig join Professor Michael Clarke and Kate Gerbeau to explain how Slim's prioritisation of his troops' wellbeing and focus on his enemy's weak points made a winning formula which still underpins British military doctrine.

The UK's 2025 Carrier Strike Group has sailed to the other side of the world, and is halfway through that 8 month mission. But what's it all for? Sitrep explains what the military drills along the way will have given the 4,000 servicemen and women taking part, and why the aircraft carrier's role hosting defence and trade talks in Japan still matters. The Royal Navy can't do big global deployments without the support from the Royal Fleet Auxilliary. But with yet another RFA ship forced out of service, former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe tells us why he thinks that logistic capability is at crisis point. And in our ongoing exploration of transformative technologies, Sitrep explains directed energy weapons including lasers and radio beams could soon be in service with Britain's Armed Forces.

The UK, France, and Canada are upping the pressure on Israel for a ceasefire, by talking about recognising a Palestinian state. Even Donald Trump has told Israel it has to “do it a different way” because of “real starvation”.But will this diplomatic pressure make any difference? Professor Michael Clarke and Middle East expert Dr Burcu Ozcelik consider whether cutting military aid might be more effective and assess the impact of Arab League calls for Hamas to disarm.Sitrep also speaks to British veteran Major Andrew Fox, about what he's just seen in Gaza as an invited observer of the Israeli/American aid distribution programme.And how brain-sensors, eye implants, and robot exoskeletons could transform not just future military operations but military personnel too.

Britain and France say they're ready to lead a multinational Ukraine Support Force, in the event of a ceasefire, with a British led two-star HQ in Kyiv and Command and Control from London or Paris.They promise air and sea policing, and logistic support on the ground. Senior RUSI researcher and former infantry officer Ed Arnold explains the thinking, and the big gaps that need to be filled.Sitrep examines the evidence that suggests American nuclear bombs have just been moved to the UK for the first time in nearly two decades, and asks whether it might just be a bluff.And one of NATO's top research scientists tells us how quantum computing could revolutionise military capability, while it threatens to make some current tech useless.

After months of ratcheting up pressure on Ukraine to do a peace deal, Donald Trump's now supplying arms to them, and sending the bill to the rest of NATO.But can weapons worth billions turn the tide, maybe change President Putin's calculus, or will they just drag out a slow-motion defeat? The military options are explained by former defence attaché John Foreman and Professor Michael Clarke.What's motivated scores of British veterans to fight in Ukraine, and how does it compare to their time in British uniform? Colin Freeman tells us about his new book “The Mad and The Brave – The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion”And how starlings are teaching scientists to make drones much more lethal, in the first of Sitrep's new series explaining transformative military technologies.

Hundreds of British people answered Ukraine's urgent plea for military volunteers to help it fight back when Russian tanks rolled in.Some were novices, who travelled against UK government advice, while others took experience from the Britain's armed forces.The journalist Colin Freeman has got to know many of them during his work in Ukraine and is sharing the story of the war through their eyes, in detail, for the first time.He tells Kate Gerbeau about his book “The Mad and The Brave – The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion”

Sitrep digs deep into homeland defence in the UK. A former National Security adviser lays out the potential threats we face and we ask how prepared are we for a wartime scenario? The Colonel in charge of engaging the Army with the public says the challenge has never been bigger .And how do you persuade the public that defence matters? A former Lance Corporal, now an MP faces that very battle.