23rd Nov 2015 06:41
LONDON (Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister David Cameron is set to announced a GBP178.0 billion investment in defence equipment and support over the next decade when he outlines the findings from the Strategic Defence and Security Review later Monday.
The new budget represents a GBP12.0 billion uplift in total funding for defence equipment and will focus on investments which will help the UK "respond to diverse threats in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world", according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
The investment will include nine new Boeing P8 maritime patrol aircraft and an extension to the UK's multi-role Typhoon jets, built by BAE Systems PLC, for another decade through to 2040, allowing the Ministry of Defence to create two extra squadrons. There will also be an investment in ground attack capabilities for the Typhoons.
Two new "Strike Brigades" will also be created by 2025, using the Ajax range of armoured vehicles.
"By sticking to our long-term economic plan, Britain has become the fastest growing major advanced economy in the world for the last two years. Our renewed economic security means we can afford to invest further in our national security," said Cameron.
"This is vital at a time when the threats to our country are growing. From the rise of ISIL and greater instability in the Middle East, to the crisis in Ukraine, the threat of cyber attacks and the risk of pandemics, the world is more dangerous and uncertain today than five years ago," he added.
By Sam Unsted; [email protected]; @SamUAtAlliance
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