Show Notes
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’s BFBS 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.
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All UK troops, and the whole Global Coalition, have left Iraq after 12 years with their mission to support local troops against Islamic State terrorists deemed complete. Last time we left, we were back within three years, and this time Iraq has been under repeated attack from its neighbour in the Iran/US war. So will we have to go back again? Professor Micheal Clarke explains the risks and potential benefits of the drawdown, and Dr. Karin Von Hippel who was Chief of Staff to the first leader of the Global Coalition tells us why it appears Iraq wanted troops to stay longer, but was rebuffed by President Trump. And BFBS reporter Will Hollis, at RAF Akrotiri, explains why this a change but not the end for Operation Shader altogether.
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?