BFBS Sitrep

After decades of believing the risk of air-strikes on UK soil were miniscule, everyone now accepts we need to significantly boost our air and missile.The how, the when, and the money however are a political dispute right now, so Sitrep explains the options, the hard choices, and limits of what can be achieved.Former MoD insider Matthew Savill, and retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell tell Kate Gerbeau what the most serious threats are, the most likely and most vulnerable targets, and how we can best mitigate the risks.And 125 years since the creation of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, former captain of HMS Turbulent Ryan Ramsey reflects on the achievements and future of this stealthy and possibly misunderstood part of our Armed Forces. 

The search is on to find a replacement for the Ministry of Defence’s fleet of five thousand Land Rovers. Forces News reporter Simon Newton has test-driven some of the contenders and gives Sitrep the lowdown.Also, more and more people are warning that Russia may be preparing to step up its aggression against NATO. Professor Michael Clarke answers the question: how likely is it there will be an article 5 style challenge soon?

In theory 95,000 veterans could be liable for recall if the UK was at war, or headed that way, but for decades it’s been little more than a notional force, lying dormant.That is about to change though.  Thousands could soon get letters calling them up for an exercise next year, to help the MoD faces challenges as basic as locating people, let alone equipping and training them.Sitrep explains why this is only a first step to generating a force which could be vital within a few years and what these reservists could be asked to do in a crisis, while veterans campaigner Jonny Ball tells us how it will go down with those asked to step up.And as Russian bombardment of Ukraine reaches new record levels we get a first hand taste of the reality, when an airstrike interrupts our conversation with Colin Freeman.

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.

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.  

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’sBFBS 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.

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”  

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 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.

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 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.

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.