Image source: topwar.ru
Despite the debate in parliament, the British command defended the need for further reduction in the size of the army.
- the Ministry of Defense believes.
By 2025, the government intends to reduce the full-time strength of the army from 76,000 to 72,500 people. The report comparing personnel as of April 1, 2023 and 2022 shows a reduction in the number of the Navy and Marine Corps to 29,350 people, the Army to 74,830, the Air Force to 29,380. A total of 133,570 people remained in the Armed Forces, which is 2.4% less than last year's figure.
The largest reduction was in the army (3.1%), while this dynamics will continue: by 2025, it is planned to reduce its number to 72.5 thousand people (the previous target was 80 thousand) with an increase in the army reserve to 30,100 military personnel.
A number of parliamentarians expressed their disagreement, in particular, pointing out that at least 80 thousand fighters are required to fulfill Britain's role in NATO, and the planned number of soldiers will have to be sprayed to solve a variety of tasks, from fighting natural disasters to conducting an expeditionary war.
In response, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that focusing solely on the size of the army is not holistic; modernization and technological progress should compensate for the reduction in personnel.
As a result, the parliamentary defense committee concluded that, although the number of troops is crucial, it is not the final indicator of the capabilities of the army. The key question is whether the army has the necessary resources and skills to complete the tasks, given the quality of equipment and the depth of training.
