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During the past Century the United Kingdom (UK) has undergone a significant period of retrenchment that is now mainly over since the 1997 withdrawal from its last major Imperial possession, Hong Kong. The UK has also seen its position as the Worlds foremost Maritime power somewhat eclipsed by the United States.
The operational advantages conferred by retaining the pre-eminent allvolunteer professional force in the world have been tempered by the spinoff effects of a demilitarized society. Some of the decision makers have had little first hand understanding of what is required to achieve goals set for the military, and defence issues tend to attract little public attention. The campaign for the general elections in 1997 virtually ignored defence spending as an issue, while the media is generally under the impression that the end of the Cold War has left the military with no visible role. Successive cuts imposed by the Options for Change defence reviews since 1990 have reduced the overall strength of the Armed Forces strength by some 32%, from 315,000 to 215,000. The Royal Navy (RN) has seen the number of submarines in service decrease from 28 to 12, some 57%. Meanwhile the British Armys tank force has been reduced by 45% and the number of aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) has seen its frontline strength decrease by some 30 %. Meanwhile the increased operational tempo since the end of the Cold War has seen up to 35,000 personnel deployed away from their bases, and families, for extended periods of time. This includes places like Bosnia and overseas naval deployments and well as continuing security responsibilities for Northern Ireland, Gibraltar and the Falklands.
Besides national responsibilities the UK maintains its numerous commitments to NATO and also plays a role in numerous UN operations such as Cyprus. It provides the leadership and plays a leading role in the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), which is presently NATOs primary field formation, by providing over 1/ th. of the field formations assigned to 5 the ARRC.
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KINGDOM
NATO
DEFENCE BUDGET:
Approx. 23.9 billion
ROYAL NAVY
This fall the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean set sail. Ocean is able to carry most of a Royal Marine Commando, including 40 vehicles, along with a full squadron of HC4 transport helicopters and 6 Lynx attack helicopters. The integral helicopters will allow for a more flexible tactical mobility and will be able to provide inherent air support to amphibious forces. From 2002 the 2 new Assault ships, Albion and Bulwark, will allow the RN to replace the existing ships which will have been in service for over 37 years. Combined with the transports, Sea Crusader and Sea Chieftan, which have recently entered service they will provide a sorely needed boost for strategic lift forces. The 44 Merlin helicopters on order for the RN will be a welcome improvement to the anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. Additionally, the 12 proposed project Horizon air-defence ships will be a vast improvement over the present outdated ships. The 3 Astute class fleet submarines on order will allow the submarine force to keep up with the most recent technological advances and remain a modern capable force.
Royal Navy
45,500 personnel
Submarines: Strategic (4) and Fleet (12) Carriers: Aircraft (3) and Helicopter (1) Destroyers and Frigates Amphibious Ships Fighters (Sea Harrier) Helicopters: AEW (13) and Commando (36) 110 Large and Light Maritime Helicopters 16 4 34 7 49 49
Army
112,000 personnel plus 55,000 Territorial Army
386 Challenger II Tanks 394 Light Recce Vehicles 3504 Armoured Vehicles: Tracked (2849) and Wheeled (655) 179 Self Propelled Artillery 108 Towed Artillery 62 Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers 175 Tracked Anti-air launchers 99 Attack Helicopters 183 Light Transport Helicopters
Lynx helicopter keeps an eye on Sea King and Harriers operating off HMS INVINCIBLE.
RAF Units
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Vol.4, No. 4
NATO
ARMY
The Army is in the midst of progressively replacing its Challenger I tanks with the improved Challenger IIs. This will provide the armoured regiments with a robust force capable of defeating most opponents. The proposed MultiRole Armoured Vehicle, which is being purchased jointly with the French and German armies, will allow the eventual replacement of three differing types of APCs and greatly simplify maintenance requirements. Also, the proposed TRACER reconnaissance vehicle, which is being jointly developed with the USA, will greatly enhance recce capabilities and allow for the replacement of the current platforms based on the ageing Scorpion chassis. On a related note, the Apache Longbow attack helicopter, which is just beginning to enter service, will greatly enhance the armys anti-armor and fire-support capabilities and allow for replacement of some of the older
Lynx helicopters. It is also planned to replace the 105mm light artillery with a light 155 mm system which will increase firepower.
Airborne soldier
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