BFBS Sitrep

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 a...

  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……….   TH...

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 an...

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 Brett...

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...

  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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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…..

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 RAD...

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...

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 Lofthou...

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…….f...

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.

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 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   D...

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……………

  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. TO...

  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 Eur...

 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……….

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.     TOP...