Sitrep analyses open-source intelligence which shows an uptick in secretive surveillance flights, by the UK, US and Russia, in the High North and over the Baltic. Defence Analyst and former infantry officer Ed Arnold explains the possibilities behind the activity, and we hear first hand from NATO's Arctic Ocean patrols. Could peat-bogs be used as tank-traps to help protect Eastern Europe from Russian invasion? We hear from Estonia where they’re looking at potential spin-off benefits from their plan to tackle climate change. And BBC weather forecaster Simon King draws on his RAF experience to explain the science of weather manipulation, and whether militaries could ever hope to use it to their advantage.
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41:08
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41:08
What Next After Ukraine Peace Talks?
Sitrep digs deep into the implications for the British military of a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The Defence Secretary has laid out Britain’s preparedness to put boots on the ground and provide reassurance at sea and in the air. So this time on Sitrep – how does Britain plan for that moment, and what’s its part in guaranteeing Ukraine’s future security? We hear from former Chief of the Defence Staff Field Marshal Lord Richards and Former Army intelligence officer and military planner, Philip Ingram. And ‘battlefield robotics’ – what’s already out there giving soldiers an edge? And what are the dangers? Dr Simona Soare, Professor in Strategy and Technology at Lancaster University, joins the show. Kate Gerbeau presents, with expert analysis from Professor Michael Clarke.
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44:26
Lessons from General Bill Slim’s victory over Japan
80 years ago General Bill Slim accepted the surrender of Japan, marking the end of World War Two, after leading the 14th Army to victory in Burma.He is regarded by many as Britain’s greatest general, but how did he achieve what others believed to be impossible?A veteran tells Sitrep what made the Burma campaign so hard and why General Slim was so well regarded, while Viscount Mark Slim gives us a rare tour of the artefacts which reveal his grandfather’s place in history.Military historians Dr Robert Lyman and Phil Craig join Professor Michael Clarke and Kate Gerbeau to explain how Slim’s prioritisation of his troops’ wellbeing and focus on his enemy’s weak points made a winning formula which still underpins British military doctrine.
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40:19
From wargames to floating cocktail party – HMS Prince of Wales heads to Japan
The UK’s 2025 Carrier Strike Group has sailed to the other side of the world, and is halfway through that 8 month mission. But what’s it all for? Sitrep explains what the military drills along the way will have given the 4,000 servicemen and women taking part, and why the aircraft carrier’s role hosting defence and trade talks in Japan still matters. The Royal Navy can’t do big global deployments without the support from the Royal Fleet Auxilliary. But with yet another RFA ship forced out of service, former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe tells us why he thinks that logistic capability is at crisis point. And in our ongoing exploration of transformative technologies, Sitrep explains directed energy weapons including lasers and radio beams could soon be in service with Britain’s Armed Forces.
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47:18
Will starvation in Gaza upend Israel’s military campaign?
The UK, France, and Canada are upping the pressure on Israel for a ceasefire, by talking about recognising a Palestinian state. Even Donald Trump has told Israel it has to “do it a different way” because of “real starvation”.But will this diplomatic pressure make any difference? Professor Michael Clarke and Middle East expert Dr Burcu Ozcelik consider whether cutting military aid might be more effective and assess the impact of Arab League calls for Hamas to disarm.Sitrep also speaks to British veteran Major Andrew Fox, about what he’s just seen in Gaza as an invited observer of the Israeli/American aid distribution programme.And how brain-sensors, eye implants, and robot exoskeletons could transform not just future military operations but military personnel too.
UK