Show Notes
British military planners are working with allies on how to make the Strait of Hormuz “safe and accessible”. The PM says it’s important we get the route open, but how and when could it be done? Former Royal Navy Weapon Engineering Officer, Commodore Steve Prest, tells Sitrep what capabilities are needed, and why the announced two-week ceasefire isn’t enough to start the job. With the US and Iran both claiming victory, Professor Michael Clarke explains why they “scared themselves” into the deal, and how the war could spiral out of control if it restarts. And with the world distracted from Ukraine, Simon Newton updates us on why President Zelensky believes his forces are in their best position for nearly a year.
More from BFBS Sitrep
The Northern Ireland Troubles - MPs back the latest legislation designed to tackle the unresolved legacy of decades of violent conflict. Amid the warnings it could leave veterans exposed to repeated investigations, is this the last chance to get it right? We speak to a Blues and Royals veteran who served at the beginning of the conflict and has closely followed every battle over the Bill.
What are the priorities of the UK’s most senior military officer? Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton launches defence exhibition DSEI with a stark warning: we have to be faster than our adversaries. Sitrep looks into how we can win that race and what industry needs to do to keep up. Air Vice Marshal Gary Waterfall gives us his thoughts.
After decades of believing the risk of air-strikes on UK soil were miniscule, everyone now accepts we need to significantly boost our air and missile. The how, the when, and the money however are a political dispute right now, so Sitrep explains the options, the hard choices, and limits of what can be achieved. Former MoD insider Matthew Savill, and retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell tell Kate Gerbeau what the most serious threats are, the most likely and most vulnerable targets, and how we can best mitigate the risks. And 125 years since the creation of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, former captain of HMS Turbulent Ryan Ramsey reflects on the achievements and future of this stealthy and possibly misunderstood part of our Armed Forces.
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?