BFBS Radio Sitrep

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.

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On again, off again -- will the US/North Korea summit actually happen?

After Donald Trump abruptly cancelled the talks, now it seems they're back on -- Sitrep assess the likely next moves.

Plus the mysterious case of the Russian journalist who came back from the dead.

The latest campaign on behalf of Britain's nuclear test veterans, as officials face calls to apologise.

Six months into the job - how is Gavin Williamson doing?

And, we hear from the Sergeant-Major who wants to spend more time listening to soldiers.

https://www.forces.net/radio/sitrep/latest

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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”.

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!

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.