UK’s military power explained after armed forces funding warning

MPs have warned that defence spending is lacking despite growing geopolitical threats

There is no doubt that Britain’s military has been shrinking for years – despite threats posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and the tensions in the Middle East.

MPs have now warned that the ministry of defence has no ‘credible plan’ to fund the armed forces the government wants, leaving the nation vulnerable.

The cross-party Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed that this deficit has ballooned to an estimated £29 billion.

Dame Meg Hillier, chair of PAC, said: ‘In an increasingly volatile world, the MoD’s lack of a credible plan to deliver fully funded military capability as desired by the government leaves us in an alarming place.’

Britain boasts nearly 185,000 active personnel

Jeremy Hunt served as foreign secretary under Theresa May for a year – and is the son of a Royal Navy commander – so, if anyone should understand the value of a well-funded military, it is him.

Yet, there was no mention of defence spending in the chancellor’s Spring Budget announcement on Wednesday.

In a report on the MoD’s Equipment Plan published today, PAC warned that gaps in military capabilities had left the UK more reliant on its allies to protect its own interests, while the credibility of its armed forces had been ‘undermined’.

MPs pointed to ‘widely reported’ recruitment issues, with more people leaving the armed forces than being brought in, and the mothballing of Royal Navy vessels due to crew shortages.

The Royal Navy ranks 31st in fleet strength

‘With the support of its allies, the UK’s armed forces continue to fulfil a crucial international role,’ they said.

‘However, many of its allies are facing similar challenges to the UK, which might affect their ability and willingness to continue providing extensive support.’

While it is expensive to deter major aggression, it would be far more expensive to fight a war.

Aside from the available manpower, British airpower, land power and naval forces cannot stand up to nations like Russia and China.

With only 213 tanks, the UK sits in 55th place in the world

When Metro.co.uk compared Britain’s military strength to Russia’s, Russia is more powerful – almost unmatched – despite major losses on the frontline in Ukraine.

Looking at global rankings, the UK ranks sixth overall; 15th for airpower; 55th for land power – behind Nato members Germany, Spain, Poland and Romania – and 31st in fleet strength. 

MPs also renewed their criticism of the MoD’s procurement processes, saying that slow delivery of new systems had caused gaps in military capability.

Only two of the 46 equipment programmes are currently rated as ‘highly likely’ to be delivered to time, budget and quality.

UK is ranked 15th with a mere 664 aircrafts

Meanwhile, five projects – including nuclear submarine reactors – are likely to not be delivered.

But Dame Meg stressed that the problem is not new, adding: ‘Year-on-year our committee has seen budget overruns and delays in defence procurement.

‘A lack of discipline in the MoD’s budgeting and approach has led to an inconsistent plan that just isn’t a reliable overview of the equipment programme’s affordability.

‘We’re disappointed that not only are the same problems we’re used to seeing on display here, but they also appear to be getting worse.

‘Despite a budget increase, this year’s plan shows a clear deterioration in affordability. The MoD must get to a better grip, or it won’t be able to deliver the military capabilities our country needs.’

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