Britain has decided to scrap some of its warships, helicopters and drones amid Russia's nuclear threats.
Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey told parliament on Wednesday that the decision was aimed at cutting defence spending.
The decision is expected to save up to £500 million over the next five years.
The main weapons to be removed are:
- The Royal Navy's two amphibious assault ships - HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark
- The Royal Air Force's 17 Puma helicopters and 14 older Chinook helicopters
- 46 Watchkeeper drones, each worth around £5 million
- The Royal Navy's Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships - RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler
These are all said to be outdated and expensive to maintain. It is also considered important to invest defence spending in new technologies.
Reactions
- The decision could be controversial, as the Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted the need for older weapons.
- The removal of Watchkeeper drones is particularly controversial with the rise of drone warfare.
However, the decision is seen as an attempt to divert investment towards future defence needs.
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