BFBS Radio Sitrep

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

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.