BFBS Sitrep

As well as condemning “fat” generals and “woke” policies US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has told America’s top officers they must end a ‘poisonous culture of risk aversion’.

Sitrep separates the warfighting logic from the culture-war politics and assesses whether UK defence could benefit from being prepared to take greater risks.

We also examine the cost of silence for special forces, and explain how their bond of secrecy could stand in the way of getting mental health help.

And as the largest collection of Victoria Crosses is taken off display, to make way for other museum exhibits, retired Major General Tim Cross and historian Lucy Betteridge-Dyson discuss how best preserve the stories of gallantry behind these medals. 

The Foreign Secretary says we will “confront” Russian planes after repeated invasions of NATO airspace. Donald Trump says they should be shot down.

Sitrep talks to former RAF pilot Air Marshal Greg Bagwell about how intercepts are carried out, the options for pilots, and the risks involved.

Kate and Mike also talk to Keir Giles, who advises governments on Moscow’s military mindset, about what it hoped to achieve with drones over Poland, and fighter jets in Estonian airspace.

And after President Trump’s big U-turn any hope of Ukraine peace talks appears to be over, so Mike explains what both sides are planning for the next phase of the war.

The Foreign Secretary says we will “confront” Russian planes after repeated invasions of NATO airspace. Donald Trump says they should be shot down.

Sitrep talks to former RAF pilot Air Marshal Greg Bagwell about how intercepts are carried out, the options for pilots, and the risks involved.

Kate and Mike also talk to Keir Giles, who advises governments on Moscow’s military mindset, about what it hoped to achieve with drones over Poland, and fighter jets in Estonian airspace.

And after President Trump’s big U-turn any hope of Ukraine peace talks appears to be over, so Mike explains what both sides are planning for the next phase of the war.

RAF Typhoons join an air defence operation following Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. They’ll work with allied forces, including France, and Germany, helping to defend the eastern flank as part of Nato's Eastern Sentry. Sitrep digs deep with Forces News reporter Simon Newton.

Also President Trump’s state visit to the UK is breaking military ceremonial records.  Sitrep talks to General Sir Nick Parker, former deputy commander of ISAF, about how intertwined UK forces are with US ones.

And as world events are brought directly to our mobile devices Sitrep speaks to the author of a book looking at how the military must adapt to fighting wars with the smartphone.

Kate Gerbeau presents, with expert analysis from Dr Karin von Hippel.

RAF Typhoons join an air defence operation following Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. They’ll work with allied forces, including France, and Germany, helping to defend the eastern flank as part of Nato's Eastern Sentry. Sitrep digs deep with Forces News reporter Simon Newton.

Also President Trump’s state visit to the UK is breaking military ceremonial records.  Sitrep talks to General Sir Nick Parker, former deputy commander of ISAF, about how intertwined UK forces are with US ones.

And as world events are brought directly to our mobile devices Sitrep speaks to the author of a book looking at how the military must adapt to fighting wars with the smartphone.

Kate Gerbeau presents, with expert analysis from Dr Karin von Hippel.

The new Chief of Defence Staff has told defence industry they need to “step up” and do more to make Britain’s Armed Forces ready for warfighting.

Sitrep is at one of the world’s largest defence equipment exhibitions to see the latest military technology, and assess the role of defence firms in deterring or winning a war.

Ministers want help ending “stupid rules”, top brass want kit quicker, and shareholders want their returns.  Can they all be delivered as one?

Retired Major General Neil Sexton and Thales Chief Technology officer Mike Sewart join Kate and Mike to explain what changes have already happened, and what’s still needed.

The new Chief of Defence Staff has told defence industry they need to “step up” and do more to make Britain’s Armed Forces ready for warfighting.

Sitrep is at one of the world’s largest defence equipment exhibitions to see the latest military technology, and assess the role of defence firms in deterring or winning a war.

Ministers want help ending “stupid rules”, top brass want kit quicker, and shareholders want their returns.  Can they all be delivered as one?

Retired Major General Neil Sexton and Thales Chief Technology officer Mike Sewart join Kate and Mike to explain what changes have already happened, and what’s still needed.

China’s released 80,000 doves at the end of its 80th anniversary victory day parade, but the messaging of military might was far louder than appeals for peace.

Professor Michael Clarke and defence analyst Dr James Bosbotinis explain what new hardware Beijing chose to show off, what the hypersonic missiles and uncrewed jets mean for its military capability, and the significance of who was (and who wasn’t) in the VIP seats.

The Northern Ireland Secretary says Britain and Ireland are “close” to agreeing a new plan for the legacy of the troubles.  But what will it mean for veterans of Northern Ireland?

And what was once called the final-frontier is now expected to be the first-frontline for future wars.  Sitrep explains the rapid weaponisation of space.

China’s released 80,000 doves at the end of its 80th anniversary victory day parade, but the messaging of military might was far louder than appeals for peace.

Professor Michael Clarke and defence analyst Dr James Bosbotinis explain what new hardware Beijing chose to show off, what the hypersonic missiles and uncrewed jets mean for its military capability, and the significance of who was (and who wasn’t) in the VIP seats.

The Northern Ireland Secretary says Britain and Ireland are “close” to agreeing a new plan for the legacy of the troubles.  But what will it mean for veterans of Northern Ireland?

And what was once called the final-frontier is now expected to be the first-frontline for future wars.  Sitrep explains the rapid weaponisation of space.

Oslo is spending £10bn to equip itself with five Type 26 frigates – a big vote of confidence in these submarine hunters already being built for the Royal Navy.

But it will also mean the already-stretched timeline to deliver the Navy’s eight new frigates becomes even longer.

Former Director of Navy Acquisition, Commodore Steve Prest, explains what cutting edge capabilities of the Type 26 that persuaded Norway to buy British, how the delays might impact Britain’s maritime capability, and why despite that he thinks it’s still good news for the Royal Navy.