11/12/2003
Hoon outlines plans for rebalance of armed forces
The British armed forces of the future must be able to "act quickly, accurately and decisively" to new security threats, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told MPs today.
Presenting the Defence White Paper to Parliament, the Secretary of State said that new security threats were emerging and the military needed to prepare for tomorrow's strategic environment.
"The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the threat posed by international terrorism, coupled with the consequences of failed or failing states, present us with very real and immediate challenges," he said.
"Resources must be directed at those capabilities that are best able to deliver the range of military effects required, whilst dispensing with those elements that are less flexible."
The White Paper presents a requirement for the military to be structured and equipped for "rapid deployment" on smaller operations, often alongside allied forces. There will be an increasing role for battlefield technology and precision weaponry.
The Defence Secretary also responded to a new report on the UK's military operations in Iraq from the National Audit Office, which concluded – despite reservations over "difficulties" to supplying frontline troops – that the Iraq campaign was "a significant military success".
(gmcg)
Presenting the Defence White Paper to Parliament, the Secretary of State said that new security threats were emerging and the military needed to prepare for tomorrow's strategic environment.
"The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the threat posed by international terrorism, coupled with the consequences of failed or failing states, present us with very real and immediate challenges," he said.
"Resources must be directed at those capabilities that are best able to deliver the range of military effects required, whilst dispensing with those elements that are less flexible."
The White Paper presents a requirement for the military to be structured and equipped for "rapid deployment" on smaller operations, often alongside allied forces. There will be an increasing role for battlefield technology and precision weaponry.
The Defence Secretary also responded to a new report on the UK's military operations in Iraq from the National Audit Office, which concluded – despite reservations over "difficulties" to supplying frontline troops – that the Iraq campaign was "a significant military success".
(gmcg)