Monday, 25th October sees that start of a new series “Frontline Battle Machines” on the Discovery Channel. The series, which is presented by Discovery’s “Wheeler Dealer” frontman Mike Brewer, takes an up close and personal look at the UK’s equipment and personnel operating in Afghanistan. Explaining why he made the series Mike said, “We were fed up with newspaper headlines that troops are underfunded, under-armed, undermanned…So we thought there was a need to explore the truth and find out how well the troops are equipped in Afghanistan.” The series of eight, one hour episodes meant that Mike and his team needed extensive access to locations in the UK, USA and Afghanistan, “…to find the real story behind the kit and equipment”. Mike added, “It was important to have unprecedented access to all areas of military operations. We spoke to the right people in the MoD who understood what we were hoping to deliver.”

For Mike and the team telling the story meant getting close sometimes arguably too close to the sharp end of operations. In episode one Mike and his cameraman endure a gut-wrenching flight in an RAF Chinook as it heads into a firefight with a Medical Emergency Response Team onboard to recover and treat casualties from the battlefield. During the flight, the pilot in command of the Chinook was wounded when a bullet struck him on the helmet, while other bullets inflicted significant damage on the aircraft. Despite his injuries and damage to the Chinook the pilot managed to recover the stricken helicopter back to base. For his actions he was later awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross. For Mike it was a humbling experience he will never forget.

Combining fast-paced action with insight into modern warfare, “Frontline Battle Machines with Mike Brewer” explores the lives of the men and the women on the frontline and the equipment on which their lives depend. Each show features three to four key items of equipment, including armoured troop carriers, fixed wing & remotely piloted aircraft, helicopters, light tanks, machine guns, guided missiles and much more. Mike tests each machine or weapon on various stages of his incredible journey from Camp Bastion to the frontline.

For further information on Frontline Battle Machines go to the Discovery web site where you can stream excerpts from the series and view Mike’s video diaries on his experiences with the UK Armed Forces.

Episode 1 will transmit at 10pm on Monday, 25th October in UK

See trailer for Frontline Battle Machines Discovery Channel.