European defence spending went up by an impressive-sounding 13% last year, according to SIPRI, a think-tank; but around two-thirds of that was eaten up by inflation, and the number also includes Russia and Ukraine
to the army have called into question its ability to field even one heavy division in a conflict involvingAt just 76,000 strong and with further cuts in the pipeline, the army is the smallest it has been since the Napoleonic era. The army is also having to manage withand will not get new ones for years because of successive procurement disasters that have cost billions. The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, a former army officer, describes his forces as “hollowed out”.
The army’s lack of claws is a reflection of how the British defence budget has been skewed away from the contingencies of a European land war and towards “out of area” expeditionary operations. Two large aircraft carriers have recently come into service, and they need both escorts and a version of theThe other big drain on the British budget is the modernisation of the nuclear deterrent.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Boy, 13, given rehabilitation order after sexual assaultsThe judge gave him a rehabilitation order instead, for a string of attacks in Telford. Full story:
Lire la suite »
13 strange coronation customs - from ingots to criminal pardonsThe celebrations have featured unusual traditions over the years, including a stay in the Tower of London
Lire la suite »
'I've just stabbed him, sir''I've just stabbed him sir...' - Teen who brought knife into school stabbed fellow student in classroom revenge attack
Lire la suite »
The Tories v the institutionsEach Conservative government since 2010 has promised to fundamentally alter how Britain works. Each has failed. It is not for want of trying
Lire la suite »
Kaylee Black tributes paid at Sunday's Irish Cup finalTributes have been paid to young footballer Kaylee Black during Sunday's Irish Cup final
Lire la suite »