Hoon to disclose UK forces review
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to detail how Britain’s armed forces will face up to the growing threat of international terrorism.
The Government today will detail how Britain’s armed forces intend to face up to the growing threat of international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon will outline changes to the size and shape of UK armed forces in the Government’s White Paper on defence in the 21st century.
UK defence chiefs are thought to back more “flexible and agile” armed forces. Cuts in warships, aircraft and heavy armour are expected.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Michael Walker has said armed forces would face “tough choices” in the near future.
Sir Michael said: “The changes we have started and will continue to make to our armed forces are fully supported by senior officers. They have not been forced upon us by politicians or accountants.”
The Government wants an army able to be rapidly deployed at short notice to potential hot spots around the world.
It is expected that defence chiefs will develop two new rapid reaction brigades to work alongside Commando Brigade and 16 Air Assault Brigade.
