The new Chief of Defence Staff has told defence industry they need to “step up” and do more to make Britain’s Armed Forces ready for warfighting.Sitrep is at one of the world’s largest defence equipment exhibitions to see the latest military technology, and assess the role of defence firms in deterring or winning a war.Ministers want help ending “stupid rules”, top brass want kit quicker, and shareholders want their returns. Can they all be delivered as one?Retired Major General Neil Sexton and Thales Chief Technology officer Mike Sewart join Kate and Mike to explain what changes have already happened, and what’s still needed.
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40:27
Analysing the weapons in China’s “peace” parade
China’s released 80,000 doves at the end of its 80th anniversary victory day parade, but the messaging of military might was far louder than appeals for peace.Professor Michael Clarke and defence analyst Dr James Bosbotinis explain what new hardware Beijing chose to show off, what the hypersonic missiles and uncrewed jets mean for its military capability, and the significance of who was (and who wasn’t) in the VIP seats.The Northern Ireland Secretary says Britain and Ireland are “close” to agreeing a new plan for the legacy of the troubles. But what will it mean for veterans of Northern Ireland?And what was once called the final-frontier is now expected to be the first-frontline for future wars. Sitrep explains the rapid weaponisation of space.
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EXTRA - Norway buys British. Will it help or hinder the Royal Navy?
Oslo is spending £10bn to equip itself with five Type 26 frigates – a big vote of confidence in these submarine hunters already being built for the Royal Navy.But it will also mean the already-stretched timeline to deliver the Navy’s eight new frigates becomes even longer.Former Director of Navy Acquisition, Commodore Steve Prest, explains what cutting edge capabilities of the Type 26 that persuaded Norway to buy British, how the delays might impact Britain’s maritime capability, and why despite that he thinks it’s still good news for the Royal Navy.
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What's going on in the Arctic?
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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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.
Colombia