(First broadcast on Thursday 21st May 2015 at 4.30pm)

AS IS gathers ground in both Syria & Iraq, Sitrep speaks to a leading expert on Islamic State as the militants continue to gather ground in Iraq and Syria.

Also this week, is America sending weapons into space?

Nato chiefs of staff list new security challenges.

And why more people are dying in conflict despite fewer wars being fought.

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PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:    BFBS defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Abdel Bari Atwan, author of "Islamic State - The Digital Caliphate"

BFBS reporter Victoria Smith interview with the International Institute for Strategic Studies Director of transnational threats and political risk, Nigel Inkster, as it publishes its 2015 Armed Conflict Survey.

X-37B Spacecraft  with Kenneth Chang ,Science Reporter from The New York Times,

BFBS reporter James Hirst talks to the people behind a new film giving a unique insight into the Afghan Army in Helmand .  "Tell Spring Not To Come This Year"

THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2and 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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.