Podcasts about professor michael clarke

It's the new defence masterplan for the next decade and beyond, but what does the Strategic Defence Review mean for the Armed Forces?The lead military author of the review, General Sir Richard Barrons, joins a special live edition of Sitrep to explain the plan and answer your questions about how it should work.Former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe adds his insights to the discussion with Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke.The whole team will break down the big questions including the threats we face, how the job of the Armed Forces could change, and when the PM's target of warfighting readiness can be met.

India has launched missile strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a terror attack last month that India accused its neighbour of backing - which Islamabad denies. But the friction between the nuclear-armed countries isn't new.     On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson dissects how the world might respond to yet more tension in the region and asks why the conflict is centred around Kashmir with our defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke.    Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont 

Pakistan and India have already fought two wars over disputed Kashmir, now after a terror attack that killed 26 tourists spiralling tensions have brought warnings another war could be imminent.South Asia expert Dr Walter Ladwig tells us why some kind of clash seems inevitable, as Sitrep compares military capabilities and past conflicts to explain who's most likely to come out on top.The RAF has launched against Houthi militants in Yemen for the first time in nearly a year. So why now? Professor Michael Clarke explains all.And could AI predict the time and place of the world's next big conflict? Defence AI expert Anna Knack and former CIA analyst Dr. Nandita Balakrishnan tell us how and when it could become reality.

The Royal Navy's newest aircraft carrier will be accompanied by more than 3000 servicemen and women, up to 24 RAF fighter jets, four British ships and four more from allies to sail as a carrier strike group halfway round the world.But it is a considerably more dangerous world than four years ago when a British carrier group last sailed to the Indo-Pacific.Retired Commodore Steve Prest tells us what threats the vessels could face in the Red Sea and the capabilities they have to protect themselves, and Professor Michael Clarke explains why the UK wants to show off its military might as far away as Australia when a land war is raging in Europe.This first global operational deployment for HMS Prince of Wales will also be the first time a UK carrier has sailed with a full complement of British F35's, and Claire Sadler explains another first – using drones to fly resupply missions between ships.

The head of NATO says nothing can replace the US nuclear umbrella as the ultimate guarantee of our security, and “Europe needs to know Uncle Sam still has our back”But amid doubts about US commitment there is talk creating a comprehensive European nuclear capability without American-owned weapons. Could the UK and France really provide a Europe only deterrent? And if so, should they?Sitrep compares our capabilities with the rest of the world and explains the complex thinking behind history's bluntest and most powerful weapons.Former NATO arms-control director William Alberque tells us why his thinking today is different, and Professor Michael Clarke explains why he has, very reluctantly, changed his view on Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Sitrep assesses how the 30-day ceasefire, offered by Ukraine, could work in reality. Would troops just stay in place and dig in, or might they have to pull back from a buffer zone?It is a tactical trade-off by Kyiv which gives it back US military aid and intelligence, and forces Russia onto the diplomatic back foot.Professor Michael Clarke explains which side has most to gain from a pause to rest and re-equip while former head of the Army, General Lord Dannatt, shares lessons from Bosnia suggesting even the most junior soldiers will have to fully understand the terms of any deal.Kate and Mike also talk to former UK National Security Adviser Lord Peter Ricketts to assess the UK's role in getting to this point, and the possibility of British troops being part of any longer-term peace plan.

In the 1970's and 1980's the UK typically spent 4-5% of its national income on Defence, but what did that money buy and what did our Armed Forces spend their time doing?Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke talk to historian Ian J Sanders, host of the Cold War Conversations podcast, for a history lesson on how we deployed our military capability to protect Europe from a Russian led threat.Times may have changed a lot, countries like Poland and Estonia which were part of the enemy bloc back then are now staunch allies who we help defend, but some things stay the same.So Kate, Mike and Ian assess what lessons we should be taking right now from our victory in the Cold War. [You can see more about the work of British forces in the cold war in our series Real Cold War Spies: BRIXMIS - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeQQkbf45pQM7fhBI5Lv_DvSanxy-bfw0] [You can listen to Ian's podcast Cold War Conversations here - https://coldwarconversations.com/]

We now have a deadline for the UK to spend 2.5% of national income on defence and it's much sooner than anyone expected. But cash doesn't just turn into military might.There are many things you could spend it on. People? Hardware? Training? The real question is what you should spend it on, for the right capabilities at the right times.There are urgent priorities to rapidly improve defence of our own doorstep as the US pulls back, but we still need to plan for long term battle-winning edge.Professor Michael Clarke explains why ‘invisible' capabilities will be favoured over heavy metal, while Matthew Savill from RUSI assesses how hard it will be to deliver the Defence Secretary's priority of “arresting the long-term fall in numbers of service personnel”.

Donald Trump's tried to take Ukraine's future out of its own hands by opening negotiations with Russia, and telling Kyiv that NATO membership and getting all of its land back are hopeless ambitions.So what should Ukraine do now? Could focussing on the fight still improve its negotiating position, or has it reached its high watermark in the war? Professor Michael Clarke and retired General Sir Richard Shirreff assess the battlefield balance of power.America's Defence Secretary says “stark strategic realities prevent the United States from being primarily focused on Europe”. The UK's stepping up as the US steps back, but how much more will we do to lead from the front? And as some of the world's most powerful defence and security figures gather at the Munich Security Conference Sitrep explains why this private talking shop has become a marketplace for some of the world's most consequential decisions.

“Please don't look back, more dangerous times lie ahead which means you need to look forward… so that we are ready if war chooses us”. So says the head of the Army, General Sir Roly Walker, in this special edition of Sitrep explaining what 2025 may bring.Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke tackle some of the biggest questions for our defence. Could fighting in Ukraine end, and might British troops be sent as peacekeepers or trainers? Would Russia make a military move against another European country? And will the Defence Review be a revolution or evolution for our Armed ForcesThe Chief of Defence Staff, the heads of the Royal Navy and RAF, and a team of top experts also share their assessments of what's most likely to lie ahead, right around the world.

Drones buzzing airbases and HMS Queen Elizabeth. Undersea cables cut. Mysterious parcel fires at air-freight depots. These have all been described as hybrid, grey-zone, or sub-threshold attacks against the UK and it's allies.But if they are all below the threshold of an act of war, where does that threshold lie?Sitrep explores the use of deniable attacks, from disruption and disinformation to assassination and bomb plots. How do we defend against them, deter enemies from even trying, and stand up to international bullying?Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke talk to grey-zone expert Elisabeth Braw, former military intelligence officer Colonel Philip Ingram, and Tan Dhesi MP who chairs the Commons Defence Committee.

BFBS Forces News presents ‘Great British Battle Commanders' hosted by Professor Michael Clarke, Sitrep's defence analyst, assessing the leadership and strategy of Admiral Lord Nelson with Dr Gregory Fremont-Barnes, author of several books on Nelson and his Navy, and senior lecturer in war studies at RMAS. The interview is recorded in Nelson's cabin on HMS Victory in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.Nelson GlossaryCuthbert Collingwood Admiral and Second in Command at Trafalgar.John Jervis Earl of St Vincent, Admiral and Commander at the Battle of Cape St Vincent.George Towry Captain, involved in the Battle of Cape St Vincent.Thomas Troubridge Captain, involved in the Battle of Cape St Vincent.Ralph Abercromby General, mortally wounded at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801.Pierre-Charles de Villeneuve French Admiral and overall Commander of the Combined Fleet at Trafalgar.Frederico Gravina Spanish Admiral and Second in Command at Trafalgar.

The Defence Secretary has announced that more than 30 helicopters will be retired early, along with 5 ships, and 46 drones, all of them he calls ‘outdated capabilities'.Most significant, after years of ‘will they, won't they', the Royal Marines amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, get the axe. Critics call it a black day for the Marines but the Defence Secretary insists they have a bright future.So which is it? Professor Michael Clarke explains how each of the cuts will, or won't, affect our military capabilities. He also analyses the shake-up at the very top of the forces giving the Chief of Defence Staff more power over all the services.And why is all this being announced with months of work still to do on the Defence Review, with more big change ahead?

Russia thought it would conquer Ukraine in 10 days, Ukrainian resolve is still preventing that. But after more than a million casualties on both sides, thousands of pieces of military hardware destroyed, will it simply come down to which side can outlast the other? Sitrep's Simon Newton and Hannah King join us from Kyiv to share how the people, and their resolve, are holding up, while Professor Michael Clarke analyses the battlefield picture. If it doesn't come down simply to attrition then what could prove to be a tipping point? Ukraine hopes permission to fire British Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles into Russia could be a game changer, while Russia's banking on ratcheting up nuclear rhetoric to discourage western support. Sitrep assesses the effect they could have.

BFBS Forces News presents ‘Great British Battle Commanders' hosted by Professor Michael Clarke, Sitrep's defence analyst, assessing the leadership and strategy of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery with the former Chief of the Army and former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Lord Richards. The interview is recorded in the D-Day Map Room at Southwick House, outside Portsmouth, which was the nerve centre for Operation Overlord. Glossary for AudioGeneral Dwight D Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander 1944-1945Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, Deputy Supreme Commander to EisenhowerField Marshal Herbert Plumer, British First World war generalField Marshal Alan Brooke, Chief of the Imperial General Staff in 1944Field Marshal Lord John Gort, Commander of British forces in France, 1940Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, British generalField Marshal Harold Alexander, British general General George S. Patton, US generalGeneral Frederick E. Morgan, British generalGeneral Omar N. Bradley, US general Field Marshal William J. Slim, British general

BFBS Forces News presents ‘Great British Battle Commanders' hosted by Professor Michael Clarke, Sitrep's defence analyst, assessing the leadership and strategy of Boudica, Queen of the Iceni. The interview is recorded in Colchester Castle, Essex, which was built on the foundations of the Roman Temple that was sacked and burnt by Boudica's forces in AD 60.

BFBS Forces News presents ‘Great British Battle Commanders' hosted by Professor Michael Clarke, Sitrep's defence analyst, assessing the leadership and strategy of Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding with aviation historian, Dr Victoria Taylor. The interview is recorded in Dowding's former office in Bentley Priory, Stanmore, which was Headquarters Fighter Command during the Second World War.

BFBS Forces News presents ‘Great British Battle Commanders' hosted by Professor Michael Clarke, Sitrep's defence analyst, assessing the leadership and strategy of the Duke of Wellington with the best-selling author of the ‘Sharpe' and ‘Last Kingdom' novels Bernard Cornwell. The interview is recorded in Wellington's former office in Horse Guards, now used as the office of the General Officer Commanding HQ London District.Based on his book ‘Great British Commanders,' Mike will be asking what makes for successful command? Is success or failure wholly determined by the circumstances each commander faces – with a bit of luck thrown in? Or are there some essential truths about command and human nature which ultimately make the difference on the battlefield?

The chancellor has promised an extra £2.9bn for defence next year, but what does that actually mean for our armed forces?Professor Malcolm Chalmers explains why it amounts to a small increase in spending power and not the step change many want, but why that could still come down the line.Amid reports that the UK's top military officer could get sweeping new powers General Lord Richards tells us how, when he had the job, he had to explain to the Prime Minister that the Chief of Defence Staff doesn't actually command the three services.And Sitrep's own Professor Michael Clarke reveals the secrets uncovered for his new book and podcast about great British commanders, including one who had a major sideline writing romantic fiction and another who firmly believed in fairies.

In this extended Frontline conversation, Professor Michael Clarke, Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) from 2007 to 2015, discusses how the Russian economy faces further decline. The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists. Watch more: www.youtube.com/@ListenToTimesRadio Read more: www.thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has confirmed it has killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of terror group Hamas, who is regarded by Israel to be the architect behind the October 7 attack.   But despite his death, Israel has said the war in Gaza will not end.    On this extra edition of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our military expert Professor Michael Clarke to examine what consequences this pivotal moment will have on the conflict. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont  

Admiral Sir Keith Blount, who is the most senior British officer in NATO, talks to Sitrep's Claire Sadler and Professor Michael Clarke from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.He explains alliance thinking and actions on key topics including NATO's future, technology developments, the Ukraine war and the threat posed by Russia and China.Allied personnel were in attendance for the first Sitrep Live podcast.Admiral Sir Keith took up the role of DSACEUR in July 2023, the first Royal Navy officer to hold the position, and is second in command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US Army General Christopher G Cavoli.

Our armed forces put their lives on the line to protect the rule of international law and ordinary people's human rights. But some believe those rights and laws are disproportionately affecting our troops and military decision makers.Sitrep talks to two SAS veterans who explain why they want the UK to opt-out of part of the European Convention on Human Rights, and we get expert legal opinion from Joshua Rozenberg about whether that's possible and how much difference it would make.Diego Garcia has just ten square miles of dry land, so why have the US and UK fought so hard to keep it as a secretive military base? Professor Michael Clarke explains why the remote island is a strategic “jewel in a silver sea”.And one of the most important but bloodiest battles of World War Two in Italy is retold through the eyes of those who fought on both sides. The historian James Holland tells us why he's revisited the battle of Monte Cassino.

It's one year on since Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel, which was followed by Israel's mission to eradicate the terror group in Gaza. In short, what followed was a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Iranian attacks on Israel, and Israel fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon.   With the region yet to find a sustainable path away from conflict, on the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson takes a step back and asks if a peaceful solution can ever be found.     Niall is joined by Alistair Bunkall, our Middle East correspondent, and our military analyst Professor Michael Clarke, to discuss if Israel can keep up its fighting against Hezbollah and Hamas, and deal with the rising tensions with Iran, against the backdrop of a continuing crisis in Gaza, with hostages still being held there. Producer: Soila Apparicio     

Israel has a layered air defence system, which has acted to protect the country from the latest wave of incoming missiles from Iran.    The more well-known Iron Dome brings down frequent incoming short-range rocket systems fired at Israel by both Hezbollah and Hamas. David's Sling, and Arrow 2 and 3, are built to tackle medium-range and long-range ballistic missiles, but how does Israel's defence system work?   Niall Paterson sits down with Sky's military expert Professor Michael Clarke to learn more about the range of defences.  Producer: Alex Edden Editor: Philly Beaumont 

A new trend in warfare saw pagers and radios explode in coordinated attacks on Hezbollah members in Lebanon, causing mass casualties. Are tech-driven assaults the future of warfare? Joining us is Defence expert Professor Michael Clarke.

More than 40,000 Ukrainians have had military training in the UK since Russia's full-scale invasion of their country, but that's made it harder for the Army to access its own training areas with bids now eight times more likely to be rejected.Former Royal Navy Commodore Steve Prest explains why the UK thinks it's a price worth paying, for now.The UK led Joint Expeditionary Force is now a decade old. Professor Michael Clarke explains how this “alliance within an alliance” didn't seem to matter much when it was created, but has become very important to NATO.And SAS historian Ben Macintyre reveals new details of the 1980 Iranian embassy siege, including how the special forces knew about the terrorist attack before ministers.

In this extended Frontline conversation Professor Michael Clarke, former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute, discusses how Russia's push for Pokrovsk is fast becoming a costly operation for Vladimir Putin as he tries to seize the Donbas town before winter.The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists. Watch more: www.youtube.com/@ListenToTimesRadio Read more: www.thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Defence Secretary has said “we will do our part” as the government prepares us for a “difficult” budget, fuelling speculation that some big defence projects, like new planes or ships, could be axed.Sitrep's Professor Michael Clarke explains why the Chancellor won't be making any such announcements, but that that everything is up for consideration, and how difficult choices will have to be made early next year.Also on Sitrep why the Armed Forces are pushing big into e-sports. We talk to the Army team manager from international Call of Duty tournament Code Bowl.And the recently retired Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts, talks to us about soldiering, saving lives and how writing war poems helped him with both. 

The UK's first sovereign military satellite, Tyche, is now in orbit. It's the first piece of a planned constellation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance orbiters, at a cost approaching one billion pounds.Former Royal Navy officer Darren Jones, from Tyche's manufacturer, explains what capability it can offer the Armed Forces, while Professor Michael Clarke and Juliana Suess from RUSI discuss the value of spending in space from a hard-pressed defence budget.Three years since Afghanistan fell, once again, to the Taliban, Sitrep hears one Afghan commando's story of trying to fight back and eventually escaping.And former submarine captain Ryan Ramsay shares the moment that made him, while serving on exchange with the US Navy.

Is this Chess, or Russian Roulette? Professor Michael Clarke explains why Ukraine has chosen a path with big risks, but also potentially big rewards by taking the fight to Russia on its own turf in Kursk.Sitrep's Simon Newton analyses the forces and movements of each side as we assess how this could develop and affect the war.75 years since the Geneva Conventions created a rulebook for the conduct of war their effectiveness is facing big questions. Military ethics lecturer David Rodin sets out the case for new rules that would give different rights to troops depending on whether they are defending their country or attacking another.And decorated high-threat bomb disposal operator Kim Hughes tells us how an unwelcome assignment as a driver in Northern Ireland became the moment that made him.

President Putin has declared a "federal level" state of emergency on day four of a large Ukrainian military incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk, with more troops and munitions being rushed to the area. As fighting draws closer to a nuclear power plant we hear from analyst Professor Michael Clarke who explains what Ukraine is hoping to achieve. Also on the programme: Venezuela's 10-day block on X, formerly Twitter; and Botswana declares a half-day national holiday to celebrate Olympian Letsile Teboho, the first African to win Gold in the 200-metre sprint.(Picture: Ukrainian service members ride an Armoured Personnel Carrier near the Russian border in Sumy region. Credit: Viacheslav Ratynskyi for Reuters)

In this Frontline special, leading defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke discusses the war in Ukraine.The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists. Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/@ListenToTimesRadio Read more: thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From where the armed forces are deployed around the world, to the kit they have for the job, and how they're looked after, the government has launched a “root and branch” defence review. Two people who've been hands on with past reviews, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope and Sitrep's Professor Michael Clarke, explain what will be different about this one and the job that it has to do. Sian Grzeszczyk-Melbourne has been talking to Defence ministers and gives us some insight into their thinking on accommodation problems and a new Armed Forces Commissioner, who'll be an access-all-areas advocate for service personnel and families. And one of the RAF's first female fighter pilots, Mandy Hickson, tells us how dogfighting on two-wheels was the moment that made her.

75 years since NATO was created to defend Europe, Sitrep asks what's needed to do that job properly today.From organising hundreds of thousands of troops, to digging ditches and ensuring bridges can carry tanks, the challenges are explained by Professor Michael Clarke and Oana Lungescu, a former senior advisor to the NATO Secretary General.Part of the jigsaw is the new Alliance Reaction Force. It's commander, Lieutenant General Lorenzo D'Addario tells Sitrep how the ARF plans to pack more punch more quickly.And former Royal Navy Commander chooses his ‘moment that made me', when an engineering mistake flooded his ship and threatened to sink it.

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings which were a turning point in the Second World War and ultimately led to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.  On this episode, Niall Paterson sits down with historian and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke to talk about why the beachheads in Normandy were so critical, his father's experience there, what happened next in the war and why there are parallels between now and then as Vladimir Putin threatens Europe.  Plus, Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills on the events in Normandy today commemorating D-Day. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker 

From the wooden horse at Troy to rubber tanks in Dover military deceptions have been central to war for thousands of years.In the lead up to D-Day the allies convinced Germany their assault would be 150 miles away from Normandy. Professor Michael Clarke and Sitrep's Claire Sadler explain the complex web of deceptions involving radar interference, wooden planes and King George VI.Former Royal Signals commander John Kirby tells Sitrep how he helped deceive Saddam Hussein's forces during the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, and General Sir Richard Barrons explains how deceptions can still happen in the transparent battlespace which revealed Russia's invasion plan for Ukraine months before it happened.Plus Christian Andrews, from the cast of Operation Mincemeat, tells us how one of history's most audacious military deceptions has been transformed into an Olivier Award winning musical.

Russia has the momentum in Ukraine right now, so is it time for a radical rethink of how we help?James Heappey, who served four years as Armed Forces Minister, tells Sitrep we should be thinking about putting a training mission into Western Ukraine along with air defence support. Professor Michael Clarke explains the potential risks and benefits of shifting our red-lines.They also discuss the general election and whether it will mean a shake-up or continuity for defence.And former RAF Hercules pilot Scottie Bateman shares stories of incredible service across more than half a century by the swiss-army-knife of tactical airlift, and its crews.

The cyber-attack which potentially exposed names and bank details of more than 270-thousand people is certainly embarrassing, but what might a “malign actor” do with that information?The founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, tells Sitrep the hackers haven't got any “crown jewels”, but that statements of “no evidence” that data was compromised offer little reassurance.Professor Michael Clarke explains how it might be part of a Chinese effort to “hoover up data” about UK citizens for future use, and former intelligence officer Colonel Philip Ingram tells us the red flags to watch out for if your data has been taken.Sitrep hears from Georgia amid mass protests from citizens who say it's turning towards Russia and away from its partnership with NATO.And we delve into the history of the pocket tools carried by troops, as bladeless versions of the Swiss Army Knife are introduced.(More information about the MoD data breach, including contact information for support, is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-on-the-armed-forces-pay-network-compromise)

Sitrep goes on board a Royal Navy P2000 patrol boat, on exercise Tamber Shield, off the coast of Norway.David Sivills-McCann gives us an insight into the action, and Professor Michael Clarke explains why these boats, some of the smallest Royal Navy vessels, are key to defending the UK.A prototype of the RAF's next generation fighter jet, Tempest, is expected to fly in just three years time. Air Commodore Martin Lowe, who leads the programme for the RAF, tells us how the journey from concept to reality is going.And the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace & Security, Irene Fellin, tells Sitrep how the new Allied Reaction Force must not just be ready to fight, but also to protect civilians.

Rishi Sunak has pledged tens of billions of pounds to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, but how much will it improve our military capability?Professor Michael Clarke explains why the extra cash will probably be used to firm up our forces rather than making them bigger, and we fact check how much of the £75m figure given by the Prime Minister is actually new money.Months after US military supplies to Ukraine effectively dried up the Washington deadlock is broken. But what will the new $60bn package deliver, when, and how much difference can it make to the war?And we hear from the London Defence Tech Hackathon where coders, engineers, and businesses had a direct line to Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield as they tried some rapid problem solving for the troops.

Ex-armed forces minister James Heappey has told Sky's defence and security editor Deborah Haynes the UK should consider sending its forces to Ukraine to train troops.  On the Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire talks to her and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke about the interview with Mr Heappey, who stepped down from his role last month.  They assess the bleak situation in Ukraine and why the conflict is at a critical stage. They also discuss how prepared the UK would be if it faced a war in the near future. Senior producer: Annie Joyce  Editor: Wendy Parker 

Joining Iain Dale on a special edition of Cross Question focusing on foreign affairs are former UK ambassador to the US Lord Darroch, defence and security expert Professor Michael Clarke, journalist, broadcaster and founder of the China Dialogue Trust Isabel Hilton and former Middle East minister Alistair Burt.

Broadcasting legend Steve Wright dies at 69Joining Iain Dale on a special edition of Cross Question focusing on foreign affairs are former UK ambassador to the US Lord Darroch, defence and security expert Professor Michael Clarke, journalist, broadcaster and founder of the China Dialogue Trust Isabel Hilton and former Middle East minister Alistair Burt.

The UK says Israel should "stop and think seriously", the US wants to see a credible plan for civilians - but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists an offensive in Rafah is needed to defeat Hamas.As Israel rescued two hostages in the southern city, dozens were killed in the airstrikes that accompanied the operation.There are now more than a million people in the city - with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees saying conditions are getting worse.So can Israel be convinced to pause any ground offensive?On this Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to our correspondent in Jerusalem, Diana Magnay, and defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke.Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

The head of the British Army has said we should "train and equip" a "citizen army" to prepare the country for any potential land war.The comments from General Sir Patrick Sanders, who stands down as chief of the general staff in six months, are being seen as a warning that British men and women could be called up to the armed forces if NATO was to go to war with Russia.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson gets reaction from former defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Sky's defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke as they examine the UK's military preparedness.Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney PeadInterviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotion producer: Jonathan Day Editor: Paul Stanworth

Iran is a key player in the Middle East – the country supports extremist Islamic groups across the region, notably the Houthis in Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Following UK airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen last week, defence secretary Grant Shapps on Monday gave a major speech on his vision for UK defence, when he said the government would "consider" further action against the group in the Red Sea if needed. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, lead politics presenter Sophy Ridge looks into Iran's position as allies of the group - and the country's play for power in the Middle East. Sophy is joined by Rob Macaire, former Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran from April 2018 to July 2021. Plus, more analysis from defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Sky News Daily host Niall Paterson looks back at the stories that defined international affairs in 2023 with our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, and defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke. They dive into the Israel-Hamas war and the defining moment that was October 7th on politics in the region, the movements made by Putin in Russia's war in Ukraine, how US President Biden looks against his likely election competition Donald Trump, and positive movement in China-US diplomacy. Also in this series, Niall will look at British politics, the economy, science and tech, and the Royal Family. Podcast producer: Soila Apparicio Promotion producers: David Chipakupaku, Sydney Pead, and Jada-Kai Meosa JohnEditor: Philly Beaumont

What winter and new weaponry means for the war… Professor Michael Clarke and Russia analyst Anna Borshchevskaya discuss the importance of the eastern town of Avdiivka, President Putin's visit to China and how a change in seasons might influence events on the battlefield. Today's episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Keiligh Baker, Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Despite the reported capture of the village of Robotyne, is Ukraine making any meaningful gains in its counter-offensive? To take stock of how it's going, Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Riley Bailey from the Institute for the Study of War and Professor Michael Clarke, a defence and security analyst based in London. Also, veteran war reporter for CNN, Christiane Amanpour, joins us from Kyiv to discuss the possible scenarios as to how the war could end. Today's episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Sam McLaren, Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord TOPICS: 00:05 - Ukraine's Foreign Minister tells critics to ‘shut up' 03:20 - What is the point of Ukraine's counter-offensive? 07:48 - How much progress is being made? 13:19 - Where might the counter-offensive end up? 18:00 - Christiane Amanpour