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BFBS Sitrep

BFBS Sitrep

BFBS Radio 945 Episodes Aug 6, 2026

Sitrep is an award-winning podcast that brings discussion and analysis on defence, foreign policy, and stories affecting the British Forces. The show is presented by Kate Gerbeau with expert analysis from Professor Michael Clarke. It covers current affairs and issues relevant to the military community.

Episodes

The race to weaponise new tech
The race to weaponise new tech Aug 6, 2026 2147 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 cutt
Why are British tanks leaving Russia’s doorstep?
Why are British tanks leaving Russia’s doorstep? Jul 30, 2026 2841 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 deployment
Why the Armed Force Bill matters to servicemen and women
Why the Armed Force Bill matters to servicemen and women Jul 23, 2026 3804 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 Par
How the top British officer in NATO has filled gaps left by the US
How the top British officer in NATO has filled gaps left by the US Jul 16, 2026 2483 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’
NATO 3.0 – Installing update
NATO 3.0 – Installing update Jul 9, 2026 2670 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 whac
Can the Defence Investment Plan deliver war-ready forces?
Can the Defence Investment Plan deliver war-ready forces? Jul 2, 2026 3093 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
Hands on with Ukraine’s battle transforming tech
Hands on with Ukraine’s battle transforming tech Jun 25, 2026 2817 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, s
The Royal Navy’s Iran “peace deal” mission explained
The Royal Navy’s Iran “peace deal” mission explained Jun 18, 2026 2834 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 tanke
EXTRA – What now for defence after two damning resignations?
EXTRA – What now for defence after two damning resignations? Jun 12, 2026 2455 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 Mi
Spies target military personnel through ad data and fake jobs
Spies target military personnel through ad data and fake jobs Jun 11, 2026 2901 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
What to watch for when the DIP drops
What to watch for when the DIP drops Jun 4, 2026 3116 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 w
EXTRA – How the tank changed the face of battle
EXTRA – How the tank changed the face of battle Jun 7, 2026 2247 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 te

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