RAF base axed in defence cuts package (From The Northern Echo)

RAF base axed in defence cuts package

7:10pm Tuesday 15th December 2009 in

More stories about: Afghanistan

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DEFENCE Secretary Bob Ainsworth today announced a package of cutbacks in core defence programmes to fund £900m of new equipment for troops in Afghanistan over the next three years.

Mr Ainsworth told the House of Commons the changes would ensure that those who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf remain properly supported and resourced.

The cuts will mean the closure of RAF Cottesmore in Rutland and the immediate loss of one squadron of Harrier fast jets; reductions in overall service personnel numbers and some aspects of Army training; the early withdrawal of Nimrod MR2 surveillance planes; and the removal from service of one survey ship and one minehunter.

Spending on the defence estate will be reduced, planned reductions in older Lynx and Merlin Mk1 helicopters will be brought forward and cuts in the MoD civilian workforce are also expected.

Forces in Afghanistan will benefit from more body armour and night-vision goggles, more Bowman tactical radios, better funding for intelligence, enhanced capabilities to deal with roadside bombs and more cash for special forces communications.

An additional C-17 aircraft will strengthen the air bridge with the UK and there will be improvements to the defensive and support arrangements for the RAF Hercules heavy-lift fleet, said the Defence Secretary.

Mr Ainsworth also announced earlier today plans to buy an additional 22 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, the first of which should arrive for use on the frontline in Afghanistan in 2012/13.

The Defence Secretary told the Commons: "This is a difficult balance to strike, but I am confident we have got that balance right and that this will be demonstrated where it matters most - on the frontline where our brave servicemen and women, supported by MoD civilians, are fighting for the future of Afghanistan and the security of our country."

But Conservative shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said that the cuts were being imposed not because of a reduced threat to Britain's security or a reassessment of UK security needs, but because of the Government's catastrophic management of the economy.