BFBS Sitrep

Iran’s strikes on US military bases in the Middle East are a blunt reminder that British servicemen and women deployed in the region face real risks.

Professor Michael Clarke assesses the dangers while former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe explains the options for British ships which had been standing by for a possible protection role in the Strait of Hormuz.

Often UK and US bases are co-located, including Bahrain which a US Navy Admiral has told his personnel they won’t be returning to “any time soon”.

Retired Lieutenant General Sir Simon Mayall, who led the creation of the Royal Navy base in Bahrain, explains the potential impact for a facility designed to operate independently of the US but also primarily intended for joint operations.

The UK has handed final blueprints for Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv, while a treasure trove of battlefield data is coming to Britain.  Can this tech-swap help Ukraine break through front lines largely frozen because of drone saturation in the skies?

Professor Michael Clarke explains how Storm Shadow could help Ukraine push through Russian lines, but won’t be a game changer on its own.

And electronic-warfare expert Dr Thomas Withington tells Sitrep how Ukrainian drone recordings could be invaluable for the UK if it ever needs to take on Russian air defences.

Plus former UK military attaché to Russia, John Foreman, assesses the surprise visit of the CIA Director to Moscow and tells Sitrep why the size of your plane really matters on such trips.

It’s not just Russia’s threat of “consequences” for British made drones used in Ukrainian strikes, US intelligence says Moscow is considering a bigger provocation of NATO possibly within weeks.

Grey-zone expert Elisabeth Braw explains how British troops in Estonia and Poland could be an attractive target for Russia, perhaps by creating a crisis that faces them with an impossible choice or disinformation designed to turn the local population against them.

Professor Michael Clarke analyses the sub-threshold attacks that have already surged in recent years against everything from railways to top defence industry executives.

And Royal Navy Commodore Maryla Ingham tells Sitrep her time leading NATO Standing Maritime Group One, including patrols to protect critical undersea cables from Russian attack.

The Chief of the Defence Staff says it’s the "most dangerous period" he’s known in his entire military career. And we've all heard the warnings of the potential for direct armed conflict with Russia within 5 years. But what else should we be preparing for?  

Kate and Mike are joined by Tobias Ellwood, former Defence Minister, former Chair of the Defence Committee and a former soldier. He's the author of 'Ten Steps to Prevent World War Three.’ We’re also joined by the former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Sir Richard Shirreff, who served 37 years in the British Army.  

From quantum computing to biotechnology NATO has just upped its investment in startups that are trying to turn science-fiction ideas into frontline capabilities.

Sitrep explains the NATO DIANA innovation accelerator and some of the breakthroughs it’s hoping will soon become kit in the hands of troops.

A new Defence University Alliance has also just been formed to help Britain develop and deploy cutting-edge war-winning tech.  The Chief Executive of Universities UK explains how.

And after an explosive drone was found at a German airport, and a missile came down in Poland, Professor Michael Clarke assesses NATO’s red lines for overspill from the Ukraine war.

The official announcement of hundreds more British troops for Estonia, transitioning to a “mobile anti-armour” force, missed out one key detail.  It will end a decade of British tanks on Russia’s doostep, as Challenger 2’s are upgraded to become Challenger 3’s

BFBS Forces News reporter James Wharton explains how he uncovered the story, and why it will mean the burden of Estonia deployments being differently spread among British soldiers.

Troops will get new kit including drones, and precision fires. Former tank commander Justin Crump tells us what matters is the capabilities they have and whether it makes us look weak or strong.

And RUSI Director of Military Sciences, Matthew Savill, explains the job facing British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman who has just taken command of the Multinational Force For Ukraine.

Armed Forces bills come round every five years and you might think they’re just a box ticking exercise to renew the legal basis of our military.

But they’re so much more, affecting the lives, jobs, and safety of servicemen and women, plus their families.

Sitrep explains key measures on military housing, justice, reserve forces, and protection of British bases from drones, currently going through Parliament.

And Professor Michael Clarke gives us his take on what the new Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Defence Secretary might mean for the forces.

The UK has joined other European allies to commit more military capability to NATO’s battle plans, after the US made cuts “with immediate effect”

That’s been revealed to Sitrep by Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, who just weeks into the job of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander had to source replacement capabilities and effectors from across the alliance.

In a wide ranging conversation with Sitrep’s Simon Newton he explains how talks and offers began even before the US confirmed the cuts in May.

And he gives a NATO perspective on the UK’s progress to meeting its alliance commitments - there is “no opt-out” on the 5% defence spending target, but the plans to spend big on uncrewed and deep precision strike are “aligned with NATO’s priorities”  

Behind the political theatre $50bn worth of procurement plans were announced at the NATO summit, from artillery shells to airlift and space capabilities.

Sitrep explains who’s buying what and why with the help of the UK’s first Director of Joint Warfare, retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell.

Professor Michael Clarke assesses whether this will improve Europe’s defences, or simply turn into a game of whack-a-mole filling gaps left by the US. 

And the alliance has rebranded its air-policing mission in the Baltics to “air-defence”.  What practical difference does that make, and will it require the RAF to contribute more?

The lead military author of the Strategic Defence Review, General Sir Richard Barrons, gives his verdict on the DIP. “Doing the right thing, but not enough not quickly enough”

He tells Kate Gerbeau why one of his biggest concerns is a lack of attention to Defence Medical Services and how that really matters for deterring enemies.

Sian Grzeszczyk-Melbourne explains the impact on the day to day lives of forces personnel and families, including delays to accommodation repairs and the removal of admin roles.

And former MoD insider Matthew Savill breaks down how retirement of old equipment while waiting for new kit will affect the Armed Forces mission to be ready for war.

From remote controlled bombs-on-wheels to fooling Russian missiles that they’re flying over Peru, Simon Newton has been in Ukraine looking their homegrown battlefield technologies.

Professor Michael Clarke explains how, with the help of those technologies, Ukraine seems to have Russia on the back foot, but there’s still no end in sight to the war.

And the head of the Army, General Sir Roly Walker, says the Ukraine war has “absolutely validated” British thinking about the future of land conflict.

Former Army officer Justin Crump breaks down the Chief of General Staff’s keynote speech, and explains his own takeaway, that always wanting the best kit is a trap. 

From mine clearance to escorting tankers the UK and France promised to lead a “defensive” mission to reassure shipping “when conditions allow.”

With the ink now dry on the first step of a US/Iran peace deal that mission looks like it’s about to go from plan to reality.

Rear Admiral (retired) James Parkin shares his experience of leading a protective mission in the Strait, when Iran was seizing tankers in 2020. He also tells Sitrep just how tense it can be facing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

Professor Michael Clarke explains what the UK is most likely to contribute, and what could happen if the fighting restarts around British vessels.

John Healey’s parting broadside as Defence Secretary, and Al Carns resignation as Armed Forces Minister, are clearly intended to jolt the government into a rethink of the Defence Investment Plan.  But will it work?

Sitrep explains the difficult choices now facing by the new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, and how his experience in the Parachute Regiment might shape his approach.

Professor Michael Clarke runs the numbers on the Defence Investment Plan which John Healey says “falls well short of what is required for defence… at this dangerous time”.

And he explains why this leaves the Chiefs of the Armed Forces in a very delicate position. 

MI5 says Chinese intelligence have been trying to lure military personnel into revealing secrets through fake job postings on sites like Linkedin, while the Pentagon reveals data gathered by legitimate advertisers has been scraped to target its troops in theatre.

These are not just notional risks, but active exploits being used now. Former Army Intelligence officer Philip Ingram tells Sitrep how he was targeted by the Chinese scam, and explains what personnel can do to minimise the risks.

Plus could the collapse of France, Germany and Spain’s 6th generation fighter jet programme be good news for the UK’s alternative GCAP?

And the tank has been written off many times over more than a century of service Hamish de Bretton Gordon talks us through his new history of the mighty machine, and why he believes it still has a long future ahead.

The tank has been written off many times in history, even when the very first ones rolled onto the battlefield in World War One. But this British invention continues to shape the world.

From its inception as a “land ship” to the battlefields of Ukraine, the story of the tank and those who have commanded them, are chronicled by Hamish de Bretton Gordon in his new book “Tank Command”

He tells Kate Gerbeau how a risky experiment secured its ongoing place in modern warfare

He also shares his own experiences in a tank during the Gulf War, from engine repairs using rope to narrowly avoiding friendly fire from the tank of Major James Hewitt.

The long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, to turn the future blueprint of the Armed Forces into reality, is in sight. 

But with billions missing from the budget what do we need to look for when it arrives? What’s on the table, and where might the axe fall?

Professor Michael Clarke and RUSI Director of Military Sciences Matthew Savill explain why spending on getting the best out of what we already have matters as much as what new kit will be ordered.

And Sitrep hears some of your thoughts on whether it’s time to admit we can’t do everything, and instead prioritise one service over the others.

Exercise Spring Storm may be an annual event for NATO, but this time there’s no playing nicely with words.  The troops taking part say they are “rehearsing for war”, just miles from Russia.

BFBS Forces News Reporter Rosie Laydon tells why this exercise feels different to the many she’s visited before, and talks us through the new tech being tested out by 2 Scots.

We explain what other tech is in the pipeline for the Army, and how it could change soldiering, as Kate talks to two senior officers driving the Land ISTAR programme.

And Professor Michael Clarke assesses reports that the US will slash the combat capability it promises to NATO, including all submarines, and explains why it might not be as worrying as it looks.

Sitrep dives into the future of the Army and explains how a new generation of battlefield sensors and worldwide connectivity could transform British soldiering.

The Land ISTAR programme will gather unprecedented battlefield insights and share them in real time, informing soldiers just a few metres away and at the same moment an HQ on the other side of the world. 

It won’t be a big bang event, it’s a long process, but its already connecting some existing systems with new cutting edge kit.

Brigadier Matthew Birch, Senior Responsible Owner of the Land ISTAR Programme, and Colonel Kieran Phillips, Commander Multi-Domain Operations Group, explain what’s already out there,  what lies ahead, and how they plan to avoid data overload.

From invasion, through stabilisation and counter-insurgency to training Iraqi forces, Operation Telic involved more than 135,000 British servicemen and women from 2003 to 2011

Fifteen years since the last troops left Sitrep talks to three veterans of Iraq to reflect on the jobs they did, the sacrifices made, and how the legacy looks today with more distance and time.

In a special edition from the National Memorial Arboretum James Wharton, Duane Gardner, and Kevin Robinson share their stories and compare their experiences.

And they explain how, despite the complex legacy of the Iraq war, it continues to shape todays armed forces from transformed kit to sharpened doctrine.

The Royal Navy, already thinly stretched, is now sending HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Duncan to the High North, while HMS Dragon heads in the other direction to loiter for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Both high profile deployments come with some big questions. 

Is an aircraft carrier the best way to deter Russian submarines? And if Dragon is waiting for an end to fighting between the US and Iran, what job for it to do there? 

Retired Commodore Steve Prest explains the likely tasks for each vessel and their crews, while Professor Michael Clarke assess how the Royal Navy will manage the workload just as it’s at the toughest point of a long term transformation. 

Ukraine has amassed so much battlefield footage from drones that it would take more than 200 years to watch. Now it’s using that footage, with machine learning, to teach drones to become more lethal.

Simon Newton explains how the country has made breakthroughs that allow the devices to identify not only potential targets, but also their most vulnerable spots.

The work could also have benefits for the UK with talk that massive pool of training data could be shared with allies.

But does this put us on an unstoppable path to machines making life and death decisions on the battlefield? Dr. Matthew Powell, from the RAF College Cranwell, explains the practical and ethical dilemmas.

Across three decades Rose Gottemoeller has had a ringside seat at key moments in the changing relationship between Russia, the US, and allies like the UK.

As a former Deputy Secretary General of NATO and U.S. Undersecretary of State she’s seen the highs, as well as the lows.

Rose talks to Kate Gerbeau about those experiences, and the driving mission behind her new book “Security Through Cooperation”

In it she sets out to debunk President Putin’s narrative that the US is determined to destroy Russia, and shares memories from her own time in Moscow.

Three decades since the end of the troubles the legacy on Northern Ireland is affecting today’s Armed Forces, with growing talk it’s damaging recruitment and driving some to leave service.

The Northern Ireland Secretary promised additional protections for veterans to help as the save his legacy bill from running out of parliamentary time, but it remains hugely divisive.

Sitrep explains the complexities of laying the past to rest in way that could satisfy all, and asks one veteran why he favours an end to prosecutions over courtroom justice for victims and families, including hundreds of soldiers. 

And as HMS Victory has its masts carefully removed in a painstaking operation we talk to the man charged with preserving this icon of British military history.  

Japan eases restrictions in defence exports, taking a step away from decades of self-imposed pacifism after the Second World War. On Sitrep, we ask, what will they be selling and will the UK buy any of it?Searching for the next generation of Gurkha soldiers – we’re on the road in Nepal with the recruiters battling with bribery and corruption. Also on Sitrep, how do you prepare for peace while war rages? A career diplomat explores the people and events in the Foreign Office during World War 2. 

When they still don’t know what equipment they will get, and when, it’s extremely hard for  the UK’s Armed Forces deliver on their mission to be ready for war. 

But the clock is ticking ever louder, so how long have they got?

Professor Michael Clarke and Dr. Jack Watling explain the types of conflict that could lie ahead, when they could happen, and what we need to be ready for those risks.

And as the Chief of Defence Staff reveals a new national War Book is being written, to plan for the worst case scenario, Sitrep hears from someone who had access to this highly secret document during the Cold War.

British military planners are working with allies on how to make the Strait of Hormuz “safe and accessible”. The PM says it’s important we get the route open, but how and when could it be done?

Former Royal Navy Weapon Engineering Officer, Commodore Steve Prest, tells Sitrep what capabilities are needed, and why the announced two-week ceasefire isn’t enough to start the job.

With the US and Iran both claiming victory, Professor Michael Clarke explains why they  “scared themselves” into the deal, and how the war could spiral out of control if it restarts.

And with the world distracted from Ukraine, Simon Newton updates us on why President Zelensky believes his forces are in their best position for nearly a year.

The UK’s defence plans have relied, for decades, on the assumption that America will help us in a crisis.  But we can’t assume that any more, so what are those plans worth now?

Sitrep explains the findings of MPs and Peers who say we must end our “deep dependence” on the US, for everything from software updates for planes to nuclear capable missiles.

Former National Security adviser Lord Ricketts tells Kate Gerbeau where the biggest risks are, and how long it could take to cut UK military dependence on the US.

And as President Trump threatens, again, to pull the US out of NATO former MoD official Matthew Savill explains why a “quiet quitting” by the US is more likely and just how exposed it could still leave us.

20 years ago the “future infantry structure” plan provoked outrage.

To reshape a shrunken army some historic regiments were amalgamated, losing names and cap badges, while others were closed altogether.

Two decades later, those regiments that were created have their own histories, and bonds forged in battle. 

So was the pain worth it, and with all that’s changed since is it time for another round of mergers?

Tens-of-thousands of Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK on Operation Interflex, but Ukraine says our trainers now lack “modern combat experience”, and that the lessons would be more effective delivered at home.

Simon Newton explains the practical considerations and why this will be an evolution of Op. Interflex, not an end to it.

Also on Sitrep a senior Army officer blames failures to correctly operate and maintain Ajax armoured vehicles for more than 30 soldiers falling ill on exercise. 

Former tank commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon explains how regular checks of tracks, and a new automatic tension system might finally solve the vibration problems.  

There are only so many weapons in the world to go round, so the laws of supply and demand leave Ukraine struggling even more to get what it desperately needs.

And Russia’s been thrown an economic lifeline by a double whammy of surging gas and oil prices, along with weakened sanctions.

Professor Michael Clarke explains how all this will impact the battlefield, and Colin Freeman gives us insights from his latest visit to Ukraine.

Also on Sitrep, some of Britain’s top Army officers are reshuffled in the name of strengthening our contribution to NATO.  Lieutenant General Sir Simon Mayall, former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, tells all about the jobs and people involved.

The UK ramped up its air power in and around the Middle East before the Iran war, but the fact it took nearly a fortnight to deploy an air-defence destroyer has put military capability and readiness firmly in the spotlight.

Sitrep explains the rhetoric and the reality as political opponents accuse the Prime Minister of failing to prepare and sitting on his hands.

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, who helped write the Chilcot Report into the Iraq war, tells Sitrep why he thinks the US operation is “stunningly irresponsible”, and the UK got it right by staying on the sidelines. 

And Mike explains how warnings about the just how thinly spread the Armed Forces are now being seen in action.

The Royal Navy deploys a destroyer to the Mediterranean to bolster defences in the region, amidst a war in the Middle East.

But HMS Dragon won’t set sail until next week and it will take days to get there.

The question on most observers' lips is - why did it take so long? and is our response a bit late and a bit underwhelming?    

Also on Sitrep …. What are the 6 crises predicted to converge, making it the most unstable global time since the second world war?

As Ukraine fights its war for survival alone on the battlefield, the UK has announced new sanctions against Russia to throttle the supply of money into Putin's war machine.

But can it work, and persuade Moscow to get serious about peace talks? Economist and Russia expert Timothy Ash runs us through the numbers.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard tells Sitrep the UK is considering “further tactics” against Russia’s shadow fleet transporting sanctioned oil.  Mike explains why he doesn’t expect to see Royal Marines roping onto tankers any time soon. 

And Simon Newton has been looking through combat videos from Ukraine, with former Paras Major Andrew Fox, to assess lessons from four years of the most filmed war in history.

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

The World War 2 RAF pilots, dubbed ‘The Few’ by Winston Churchill, could not have achieved all that they did without the support of a huge intelligence operation.

But as more and more men had to go to the front, that intelligence work was increasingly taken on by women, despite huge initial resistance and scepticism from military leaders.

Sarah Louise Miller tells us their story, researched in new detail for her book ‘The Women Behind The Few’

And at an event marking International Women’s Day, some of those veterans have told us what life was like as they laid the groundwork for today’s women to serve in frontline combat. 

Ukrainian troops are having to risk their lives, crossing icy waters, to defend small islands used for little more than holiday homes.

We hear why these small marshy patches of land are strategically crucial to protecting Ukraine’s biggest gain so far in the war, while Professor Michael Clarke explains the latest developments across the country.

The UK’s creating a new Arctic operations base, and Sitrep reporter Briohny Williams tells us exactly what it’s like to be there for training and exercises.

Sarah Louise Miller shares the story of thousands of women who overcame huge resistance to become key players in British military intelligence during World War 2.

The Army’s modernisation masterplan relies on Ajax, a new armoured vehicle that is already 6 years late, and has injured some troops with noise and vibration.

As the Defence Secretary says that’s all been solved, Professor Michael Clarke explains why Ajax is so important and we talk to Conservative MP Mark Francois about why he wants to hear from troops involved in the Ajax trials.

Also this week – China’s produced a peace plan for the Ukraine war, but what outcome does it really want?

And we hear from two RAF Typhoon pilots about what it was like patrolling the skies of Qatar to keep the World Cup safe.

Ukrainian journalist Maryana Drach tells Sitrep her experiences of living through a year of war in her country.

The loss of her friend and colleague, Vira Hyrych, in a missile strike on an apartment block, witnessing destruction in her home city, and her team’s drive to expose atrocities.

She also tells us about the latest assessments of public opinion in Ukraine, her thoughts on how the war may end, and why she believes Ukrainians are maintaining their resolve.

Maryana Drach is Director of the Ukrainian service at Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty.  

12 months on from Russia’s full scale invasion Sitrep assesses how Ukraine defied predictions that it would lose in days – and instead pushed back Moscow’s forces.

Three experienced British military minds explain who’s got what right, and wrong, and the lessons the UK should learn from all this. 

Daily Telegraph correspondent Colin Freeman tells us what the battlefield picture looks like going into year two, as Ukrainian forces face ‘zombie waves’ of Russian troops.

And Ukrainian journalist Maryana Drach shares personal testimony of her country’s losses, alongside the resolve of its people.

After three more mystery objects were found flying over North America and shot down, the Defence Secretary has ordered a security review of British Airspace.

Have they already flown over us, and have we been looking for them? Sitrep asks a former RAF Operations Commander.

Hundreds of British troops are helping to defend Estonia, a country that has sent its entire Howitzer artillery stock to Ukraine. We hear from soldiers on exercise and Estonia’s Defence Minister.

Plus we explain whether Russia has begun its new offensive, and examine how long NATO nations can keep supplying vital military aid to Ukraine.

Servicemen and women, along with veterans, are often called heroes – it’s well intentioned, but is that label helpful or harmful.

Sitrep talks to a US psychologist who says it could drive veterans towards lower paid ‘selfless’ jobs, a leading military psychiatrist and a founder of the charity Help for Heroes.

The UK is promising to train Ukrainian fighter pilots, but says it can’t send fighter jets any time soon, so is there any point in the training and can the UK actually deliver it?

And the Chinese ‘spy’ balloon that has been shot down by the US Air Force might seem like ancient technology, but we explain why the UK is one of the countries looking at balloons as part of the military future.

The Defence Secretary says his own party has ‘hollowed out’ the forces while in government, but one of his fellow ministers says that’s ‘patently untrue’.

Sitrep assesses if this is this a civil-war in the cabinet over Defence spending, and if so why?

The Defence Secretary says Labour shares the blame for hollowing out, we talk to the Shadow Armed Forces Minister.

Buying Russian missiles, skirmishes with Greece, and now threatening to keep Sweden out of NATO – we ask if Turkey’s a truly committed ally.

And Sitrep’s Simon Newton tells us what life is like onboard a US Destroyer patrolling the Mediterranean.

As the Taliban continue to prevent women and some girls from working or having an education an all party group has been established in Westminster to monitor the situation.

Sitrep also talks to a former female politician who fled the country and the wife of a former CDS who started an education charity in the country.

More tanks are being sent to Ukraine but will they make a difference and how will Russia respond?

And we talk to the film maker given the run of HMS Queen Elizabeth

After her husband and future Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Richards deployed to Afghanistan Lady Caroline Richards wanted to do something to improve the lives of children in the country so she set up a charity.

Shukria Barakzai is a former Member of the Afghan Parliament who fled the country when the Taliban took back control.

And an All Party Parliamentary Group for Afghan Women and Girls was launched in the UK at the end of November. Colonel Rosie Stone is part of the Secretariat for the Group.

In a special edition of Sitrep Kate Gerbeau speaks to all three women about the challenges facing Afghanistan’s female population.

As the UK sends tanks and artillery guns to Ukraine the head of the Army has conceded it will temporarily weaken the service.

That’s on top of Army cuts announced in 2021, which are now being reviewed.

Sitrep talks to two former officers to assess what rebuilding the Army needs, and how it can be done.

NATO’s top military commander has declared “hard power is a reality” – but who was his message aimed at?

And we look at a British-designed 3D-printed bionic hand that could help hundreds of injured Ukrainian troops.

Scotty Mills had an incredible 32 year career in the Royal Marines, but it only happened because he wanted to get out of the rain one day.

He led a daring mission in the opening moments of the Iraq war, has helped England football and Rugby players reach international glory, and marched on the world stage at London 2012.

Scotty tells Kate Gerbeau how he learned a Royal Marines mindset for success, and about becoming a writer to share those lessons with the rest of us.

British troops could be deployed to Japan – and Japanese troops to the UK – under an historic treaty that’s just been signed at the Tower of London

On Sitrep a former Japanese Foreign Minister explains why her country has turned to the UK to bolster its defence position.

After a year of appeals, western tanks could soon be headed to Ukraine, led by British Challenger 2s. A former tank regiment commander tells us what the vehicles can do in a war.

And we hear how a Royal Marines mindset can help with that ‘new year, new me’ plan, from someone who turned round the performance of the England men’s football team.

Sitrep looks ahead at what 2023 may have in store for the UK’s armed forces. Where might they find themselves sent and why?

We also dig into new figures which show the forces are shrinking again – because people are leaving significantly faster than they’re joining.

After a year dominated by war between Ukraine and Russia, we assess what will happen next on the battlefield, and in the Kremlin.

And Professor Michael Clarke gives us his guide to ‘mousetraps’ around the world, the potential trouble spots already spring loaded and waiting to be triggered.

How much can you remember from a truly historic year?

How many days did Russia plan for fighting in Ukraine, and how long has it actually been going on? Just how many munitions is Ukraine firing every day in its fightback?

Sitrep tests a panel of experts on the numbers that spell out the scale of Europe’s biggest war since the 1940s, and the stories from elsewhere that have been overshadowed.

What’s it all meant for Britain’s armed forces, while Westminster has been in turmoil?

We also reflect on the huge military contribution to national mourning for Her Majesty the Queen, and see how much the panel know about the military background of King Charles III.

More than a thousand servicemen and women who might have expected to celebrate Christmas at home are now standing by to cover for striking workers.

The PM says we owe them gratitude, but after two years of Covid work over the festive season is the goodwill of the Armed Forces being stretched?

The head of the Armed Forces says the UK must ‘think big’ on the future of defence, after the invasion of Ukraine. We’ll analyse his annual keynote speech.

Plus what is Skynet, and why is the UK prepared to put billions on the line to keep it updated?

Billions have been spent sending weapons and equipment to help Ukraine over the last 10 months. Sitrep hears from the logistics team at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois about how contributions from the United States reach Europe. The programme hears that lessons learnt from the evacuation from Kabul about information sharing have helped with their current Ukraine operation.

And what advice are the Chiefs of Staff getting from their Senior Enlisted Adviser? Sitrep has spoken to WO1 Rick Angove about culture, training and the impact of the cost of living on forces personnel.

Fragments of a soviet era missile, designed for nuclear war, have been found in Ukraine. Russia appears to be firing the AS-15 Kent with ballast instead of a warhead.

Sitrep explains why Moscow is using these expensive missiles as decoys.

As a new zero-tolerance policy comes into effect in the forces, for unacceptable sexual behaviour, we ask Sarah Atherton MP whether it delivers the change she’s been driving for.

And should Afghan interpreters, who served with British forces, be awarded a medal? We speak to a veteran of Op Herrick, and his interpreter, about their call for medallic recognition.

Sitrep talks to the British Army’s most senior soldier, whose job is to keep top brass in touch with the experiences of the men and women of the army.

WO1 Paul Carney tells James Hirst the big issues that are affecting soldiers, and how he’s trying to ensure commanders understand them.

He also talks about drawing on his own family’s experience of sexual harassment in the drive to end ‘unacceptable behaviours’.

And he shares his own journey through the Army, including making mistakes and recovering from them.  

Some soldiers are turning to food banks, or looking for second jobs, as they try to cope with soaring bills and prices.

Sitrep talks to the Army’s most senior soldier about how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting the men and women he represents, as he appeals to those struggling to speak up and explains what help the service can give.

Inflation has also effectively wiped billions of pounds out of the MoD’s spending power, so what will that mean for the planned update to the UK’s military master plan?

And we visit Oman where a new thirty-million-pound hub for UK forces is growing rapidly.

The missile that killed two people in a Polish village was almost immediately reported as being Russian, but now is put down to an ‘unfortunate accident’ as Ukraine defended itself.

Sitrep explains how we got to that important truth before a major misjudgement was made.

We also reports from Poland where hundreds of British troops deployed to help the NATO ally have been on exercise.

And we assess the announcement of an abrupt end to Britain’s decade long military presence in Mali, despite the fact no one’s saying it’s ‘job finished’

Ukraine has achieved its biggest victory since the early days of the war by liberating the city of Kherson from 8 months of occupation.

But what comes next?

In this extra edition of Sitrep we hear from Kherson where residents are celebrating, to a background of artillery fire.

We also talk in detail to the former top military commander of NATO, General Philip Breedlove, about what moves we can expect next from Russian and Ukrainian forces.

He also explains his frustration with limits and red-lines set by countries like the US and UK, which he believes are tying one hand behind Ukraine’s back as it tries to defend itself.

Russia has ordered its troops to abandon the strategically important city of Kherson, but don’t expect Ukrainian troops to march straight back in.

Sitrep explains why, what happens next, and what traps Russia may be leaving in Kherson.

We also witness UK training that’s turning Ukrainian citizens into soldiers in the space of five weeks.

The US midterm elections have been a political tremor, rather than earthquake, we’ll assess whether the results put its multi-billion dollar military assistance to Ukraine at risk.

And we ask does Twitter really matter – as some in the US raise national security concerns about its new ownership.

Britain is bringing home hundreds of extra troops who’ve bolstered the UK’s presence in Estonia since the invasion of Ukraine.

But the government says it’s improving capabilities in other ways, with weapons and equipment. Sitrep asks if it’s enough to deter Russia and defend the Baltic state if needed.

It was the end of last winter when Ukraine was invaded, now as winter approaches again how will it affect this war? A former RAF weather forecaster gives us some insights.

And we take a look at the new TV Drama telling the story of how the SAS was formed in World War two. A veteran of the service gives Sitrep his take on ‘SAS Rogue Heroes’.

Russia has used top-level diplomatic channels to tell the west Ukraine is planning a radioactive ‘dirty bomb’ attack on its own soil.

Sitrep asks why the west is convinced it’s ‘transparently false’, what Russia’s trying to achieve with this claim, and whether it has endangered channels meant to prevent a catastrophic miscalculation.

Russian men ordered to fight in Ukraine have been venting their anger on social media. We hear from a woman in Moscow helping them fight conscription.

And we take a look at a new remake of one of the most powerful and oldest war films, “All Quiet On The Western Front.”

The histories of World War Two were largely written by men, because they were almost exclusively the ones who experienced it at the front lines.

But a handful of remarkable women defied official bans, and went to the battlefields as war reporters.

In this extra edition of BFBS Sitrep we hear at length from Judith Mackrell=about her new book ‘Going With The Boys’ =, which tells the stories of six of these women war reporters.

From risking execution to abandoning lunch with Ernest Hemingway to get the scoops, Judith tells Kate Gerbeau how their reporting records a different perspective on the war, how attempts to block actually helped them, and what they have in common with women who serve at the front lines today.

There’s been much outrage about 30 British veterans been who’ve training Chinese fighter pilots, and the government is promising a legally backed ban on helping ‘enemy’ forces.

BFBS Sitrep digs deeper into the story, including official British defence links to China, and asks a former senior RAF officer if this is a little more complex than it first appears.

Russia has been using a ‘kamikaze drone’ to knock out big parts of Ukraine’s electricity network, we’ll give you a guide to what is essentially a programmable flying bomb.

And we hear the stories of trailblazing women who defied military objections to become war correspondents in World War Two, giving us a rare female perspective from the battlefields.

Russia has fired half-a-billion dollars worth of missiles at Ukraine in just one day, after a blast destroyed part of its bridge to Crimea.

The Kremlin calls it ‘revenge’. BFBS Sitrep assesses whether it does anything to advance Moscow’s war effort, or damages it by wasting vital weapons.

Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine has a new commander, nicknamed ‘General Armageddon’. We look at his track record and compare him with Ukraine’s top officer.

We also talk to one of the RAF pilots who’ll be patrolling the skies of Qatar to protect the World Cup, and examine the security risks facing the tournament. 

After what looks like a ‘grey zone’ attack on gas-pipelines the UK is rapidly buying two new Royal Navy ships.

But how can they protect critical energy supplies, and communication cables, which can be miles below the surface of the sea?

President Putin might now be using actions to reinforce his words that he’s ‘not bluffing’ about nuclear weapons, but if he does use them can we respond without starting a new world war?

And we reflect on centuries of UK military service by Caribbean people, as work begins on the first national monument to mark their efforts and sacrifice.

The Ministry of Defence has admitted "some mistakes were made" after reports of a recruitment drive favouring women and ethnic minorities.

BFBS Sitrep hears the opinions of a former female RAF fighter pilot and asks a legal expert what is and isn’t acceptable when you’re trying to reach diversity targets.

And - the untold stories of Colditz prisoner of war camp… what really happened there behind the stirring tales of escape?

The whole programme is devoted to the war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian ambassador to the UK tells Sitrep that President Putins’s announcement that Russia is mobilising around 300 thousand military reservists is a sign he feels he might be losing the war. He also tells the programme that President Putin is blackmailing the international community by appearing to raise the threat of nuclear weapons.

Sitrep will also hear how the fighting is going on the ground from a reporter who’s just returned from the region around Kharkiv in the North -East of Ukraine and seen the devastation caused by the Russian invasion.

And a panel discusses the choices facing both Russia and Ukraine militarily and strategically in the months to come. Russia expert Bridget Kendall tells us that she thinks Putin may turn to targeting more of Ukraine’s infrastructure – including fuel and water - as the winter starts to bite. 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Commander in Chief of the UK’s Armed Forces for just over 70 years, now that job falls to her eldest son.

BFBS Sitrep talks to a former head of The Army who knows King Charles III well, and we listen to one of his recent speeches to troops to assess what kind of Commander in Chief he will be.

As we examine The Queen’s military legacy we talk to Sharon Turton about being personally presented the Elizabeth Cross in honour of her fallen husband, Kris.

Plus how has Ukraine recaptured thousands of square miles in a matter of days? A former British commander will explain, and assess what they should do next. 

Liz Truss promised big on Defence in her campaign to replace Boris Johnson – now she has to deliver.

BFBS Sitrep assesses what a big uplift in the defence budget could be spent on, how she will handle the Ukraine war, and whether the forces are facing another shake up.

Russia expected to win in Ukraine within days, six months on it needs millions more rockets and shells and it’s turned to North Korea to supply them. But how good are those munitions?

And a former member of the SBS tells us the extraordinary story of how he’s rebuilt his life after being shot in the neck, and paralysed.

A former member of the SBS shares his remarkable story with BFBS Sitrep.

It was Toby Gutteridge’s dream job, but then it tore his life apart.

He was shot in the neck in Afghanistan, leaving him paralysed.

13 years on he runs his own clothing business, and has just written his autobiography.

From getting selected for special forces, through the incident that almost killed him, to a breakdown and rebuilding of his life he tells us how he’s been given a second chance that he won’t throw away.

The compensation system for injured service personnel has been accused of ‘lacking humanity’ after an assessment panel was heard laughing at a claimant.

A veteran turned journalist tells BFBS Sitrep it’s far from a one off, as the government promises improvements.

Defence Intelligence has a new chief, and for the first time it’s a civilian. We ask if that matters as we investigate the job of Defence Intelligence.

And we assess the military legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev, the final Soviet leader who thawed the cold war and allowed the map of Europe to be redrawn.

Former Royal Marine H Collins led the last diplomatic team out Kabul’s green zone as the Taliban marched on the city.

He was responsible for the safety of Japan’s top diplomats, and dozens of colleagues.

But hours after getting them to his security company’s HQ they were surrounded, and then had to choose between fighting their way out or negotiating with insurgents wearing suicide vests.

He shares his remarkable story with Sian​ Grzeszczyk in this extra edition of BFBS Sitrep.

When Russia invaded Ukraine we thought it would probably be over in days. That was 6 months ago. So how, and when will it end?

BFBS Sitrep gets the assessments of experienced military minds, the Armed Forces Minister, and our own Professor Michael Clarke.

Thousands of Afghans who worked with British Forces were promised new lives in the UK, but a year on many are still in limbo living in hotels. We hear how it’s affecting them and ask who is responsible for sorting it.

And a former Royal Marine shares his story of bluffing and negotiating with the Taliban to get top Japanese diplomats, his team, and himself out of Kabul.

The EU is hosting crisis talks, trying to prevent a new conflict between Serbia and Kosovo.

NATO’s KFOR mission, including British troops, still has a UN peacekeeping mandate in Kosovo but what could trigger their intervention?

Has the balance of power shifted in favour of Ukraine, as Russia takes two significant hits in annexed Crimea? A former Commanding General of the US Army Europe gives us his assessment.

And the incredible story of British, Dutch and Australian prisoners of war who survived the Nagasaki atomic bomb, little more than a mile from where it landed.

Journalist Lynne O’Donnell gives us a rare first-hand insight into how the Taliban is operating in Afghanistan.

That insight has come at a cost, her life threatened as she was detained by officials, despite entering Afghanistan with a media visa.

She tells BFBS Sitrep how it was deeply frightening and yet ‘darkly satirical’, revealing incompetence and chaos.

12 months since the Taliban swept back into power BFBS Sitrep assesses what the return of the militants has meant for our security, the people of Afghanistan, and those who had worked for Britain but could not escape.

Despite Taliban promises not to shelter international terrorists the head of Al Qaeda was found in Kabul, and killed last week by the US, so does Afghanistan pose a threat to the UK once more?

We hear from Lynne O’Donnell, who has reported from Afghanistan across more than 2 decades, about life in the country now and being taken at gunpoint by Taliban officials.

And the government says hundreds of people, including former interpreters, approved to come to the UK are still in Afghanistan. We talk to a former Army officer who’s been trying to get people to safety.

China says it will punish those who offend it as it launches live fire military drills off the coast of Taiwan. Sitrep looks at China’s tactics and how the United States is responding.  

What role are cyber attacks playing in the war in Ukraine? And what are the lessons for the UK? Sitrep speaks to the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, who also discusses the difference between Russian and Chinese cyber capabilities.

And Sitrep has a tour aboard the Royal Navy’s unique testbed ship which is designed to support trials of the latest tech and autonomous systems.

In less than a year war has broken out in Europe, and Afghanistan has fallen to the Taliban.

MPs say that means the UK’s new defence masterplan is already out of date, leaving British forces overstretched, vulnerable and too small.

They Ministry of Defence says it will continue to adapt strategy, but the Commons Defence Committee wants a major update to the plan now.

The committee’s chairman, Tobias Ellwood MP, talks to James Hirst about the impact on service personnel, his recent visit to Ukraine, and whether it’s the threats or our perceptions that have changed.

China has just overtaken counter-terrorism as the biggest effort inside MI6, and the head of the Royal Navy says China is a bigger long term threat than Russia.

BFBS Sitrep examines a list of top level warnings issued this week about the risk of conflict with China, and asks if Ukraine has taken our eye off the ball.

As Ukraine tries to retake the port city of Kherson we talk to an MP who’s just visited the country.

And a year after he quit the government over the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, Johnny Mercer tells us why he’s returned as Veterans Minister.

Scientists have spent years researching concepts including laser weapons and brain sensors for a new RAF plane called ‘Tempest’.

Now ministers want those ideas turned into a working plane in just 5 years, but is it a gamble with the UK’s air capability?

As British service personnel are banned from buying sex overseas BFBS Sitrep hears how brothels used to be unofficial parts of UK bases abroad.

And we follow soldiers on exercise in an abandoned tower block in Leeds, as the Ukraine war demonstrates the need for urban combat experience which the army has little of.

The early days of the campaign to succeed Boris Johnson have seen a bidding war on defence spending from those hoping to replace him.

BFBS Sitrep assess the defence legacy Mr Johnson will leave his successor and the challenges they’ll face.

A former head of the Army tells us what he wants from whoever becomes the next Prime Minister.

We also hear from two very different cities in Ukraine as we assess the state of the war there, and ask if the country’s plan to open new battlefront and retake the South is a risk too far.

Although cases of people serving in the armed forces taking their own lives are low – among men in the army the figures have been rising in recent years.

Among some very specific groups of veterans the risk of suicide appears to be much higher – particularly younger men who only served a short time in the forces.

As the government carries out research to understand why, BFBS Sitrep talks to a leading psychiatrist, a veteran with PTSD, and a campaigner who lost her husband to suicide about the true picture of suicide risks, how we can improve support, and the ways to help or get help.

For more information visit bfbs.com/audience-support

The head of the Army has told his troops that they have a new main effort – Operation Mobilise.

We’ll examine the plan for more of the Army to be ready more of the time for a high intensity war, and what that means for servicemen and women.

NATO wants to make its high-readiness force more than seven times bigger, up to 300,000 troops, in little more than a year. But can it deliver?

The diplomatic niceties have been dropped, leaders are upfront about Russia, so is it time to admit we’re in a second cold war?

The new Chief of General Staff has written to all soldiers saying they must be prepared to fight in Europe and defeat Russia in battle – so are we not ready for that right now?

The internal letter has reached much further – BFBS Sitrep assesses its impact in Westminster, across the continent, and in the Kremlin.

The Dutch Prime Minister has apologised to his country’s peacekeepers who were sent on an ‘impossible’ mission with ‘inadequate’ equipment in Bosnia in the 1990s. We hear how that war has also affected Britons who had to fight for their lives.

And is it time to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear power, amid signs the isolated communist state is about to carry out its 7thnuclear weapon test?

Ukraine says it urgently needs more weapons and ammunition from the west.

BFBS Sitrep speaks to journalist Nicola Smith who’s on the ground near the biggest battleground and tells us about the tragedy unfolding in front of her.

Professor Michael Clark explains why although weapons are on the way they won’t make an immediate difference.

In Finland our reporter is with a Joint Expeditionary Force exercise where Ukraine is on everyone’s mind.

And what do new soldiers want from the new head of the army as he starts his first week in the job?

40 years on from the liberation of the Falklands BFBS Sitrep hears the story of the final hours from those who were there – and examines the lessons of the conflict.

The man who marched 3 Commando Brigade across miles of mud tells us how logistic difficulties left ammunition in the wrong place at the wrong time, putting individual operations on hold.

The war might have been avoided if Britain hadn’t failed to convince Argentina it would defend the Falklands – is that a lesson we’ve actually learned in the era of war in Ukraine?

And Professor Michael Clarke explains how modern warship designs owe much to the lessons of the Falklands campaign.