The British Army is set to shrink to its smallest size since the 1700s as £23 billion is invested in new defence technology.
Following the government’s 114-page Integrated Review of foreign and defence policy this week, the British Army is now facing cuts and serious re-organisation amidst concerns over the future of our country as a world power.
The British Army will be reduced to 72,500 personnel by 2025 and the RAF will have most of their personnel carriers and air cargo cut as part of a new initiative to divert money to defence technology.
The entire RAF C-13 Hercules Fleet will also retire in 2023 along with 20 Puma helicopters.
A new special operations unit – the Rangers – will be deployed overseas to undertake assignments previously managed by the SAS and SBS and is expected to have between 2,000 and 4,000 soldiers.
This new £120 million investment is “the best way to prevent conflict and deter our adversaries” by working “alongside partners to strengthen their security and resilience,” said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
This announcement came after the government’s Integrated Review revealed China and Russia to be severe threats to our economic security and defence.
Changes also include:
- The expansion of Britain’s nuclear warheads
- Preparing for future global emergencies and pandemics
- Small surveillance drones
- Electronic warfare
- Cyberspace technology
“Those of us in government charged to protect and defend have a duty to enter new domains, as well as continuing investment in the traditional ones, but always adapting to the threat,” said the Defence Secretary.
“As the threat changes, we must change with it, remaining clear-eyed about what capabilities we retire, why we are doing so, and how they will be replaced.”
“History shows us, time and time again, that failing to do so risks irrelevance and defeat.”
This reorganization is set to be one of the most dramatic since The Cold War, but is expected to bring strength and stability to our country’s defence systems.
Madeleine Raine
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