Prime Minister David Cameron today unveiled Britain's first review of the armed forces since 1998 and outlined a raft of changes the government says will prepare the military for the future.
Britain will delay spending to replace its Trident submarine-based nuclear weapons system as part of sweeping cuts to the defence budget to help reduce a record deficit, Mr Cameron told parliament today.
"This is not simply a cost-saving exercise to get to grips with the biggest budget deficit in post-war history. It is about taking the right decisions to protect our national security in the years ahead," Mr Cameron said at the start of his statement.
He said that the defence budget, which stands at £37 billion this year, would fall by 8 per cent in real terms over four years. The army would lose some 7,000 troops while the navy and the air force would lose 5,000 personnel each.
Most British government departments will face even steeper cuts, averaging 25 per cent over four years, in a spending review whose details will be announced tomorrow.
Mr Cameron said Britain would retain its independent nuclear deterrent but modify the timetable and details of its renewal.
He said although the government would push ahead with a £5 billion order for two new aircraft carriers, one of them would be held "in extended readiness", that is, mothballed.
The existing aircraft carrier Ark Royal and Harrier jets that are now in operation will be scrapped. That means Britain will have no carrier-based fighter aircraft for nearly a decade.
Mr Cameron had reassured US president Barack Obama in a phone call yesterday that Britain would "remain a first rate military power and a robust ally of the United States", his office said.
Senior US officials have voiced concerns that defence cuts by Nato members could go too far, weakening the alliance.
Agencies