From the CSR document
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191696.pdf
The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) concluded on 19 October, setting out a hard headed reappraisal of Britain’s foreign policy and security objectives, and the resources necessary to meet them.
The SDSR sets out in its National Security Risk Assessment a clear prioritisation of the threats Britain faces: from global terror, cyber threats, natural hazards, international military crises should these materialise, and from the low probability but high impact risk of a large scale
attack by another state. To deal with these risks while allowing for growing uncertainty about longer term threats, the Review chose an ‘adaptable’ strategic posture.
New Chinook helicopters, new armoured vehicles, enhanced communications equipment and new strategic lift aircraft will make the Army more mobile, and more flexible. The RAF will be based around a fleet of two of the most capable fighter jets anywhere in the world: a modernised Typhoon fleet fully capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions; and the Joint Strike Fighter, the world’s most advanced multi-role combat jet. This fast jet fleet will be complemented by a growing fleet of Unmanned Air Vehicles in both combat and reconnaissance roles. For the Navy there will be a fleet of the most capable, nuclear powered hunter-killer submarines in the world; and six Type 45 Destroyers, the most advanced multirole destroyer there is. The Government will complete the construction of two aircraft carriers and fit a catapult to the operational carrier to enable it to fly a version of the Joint
Strike Fighter with a longer range and able to carry more weapons. This will allow it to operate in tandem with the United States and French navies.
At the same time, in order to focus resources on current and emerging threats, a number of older or non-essential capabilities such as Harrier jets, Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft and some frigates are being reduced or withdrawn.
Having concluded the value for money review of Trident, the Government will proceed with the programme to renew the submarine-based nuclear deterrent. The recommendations of the review are expected to result in reductions in expenditure of at least £750 million over the Spending Review period and around £3.2 billion over the next ten years.
Britain’s Armed Forces are the backbone of its national security. But their efforts have to be complemented by other tools including:
•• strong international relationships;
•• a global network of diplomatic missions;
•• an international development programme that contributes to national security goals;
•• effective capabilities for tackling crime, illegal immigration, terrorism and civil emergencies at home; and
•• the resilience to absorb and recover from natural disasters and attacks.
Across all these areas, the SDSR funds the capabilities needed, while identifying efficiencies that will allow them to be delivered at lower cost.
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