19/10/2010

Defence Cuts See HMS Ark Royal Scrapped

Amid the Coalition's defence cuts, the HMS Ark Royal is set to be scrapped "with immediate effect".

Later, the Prime Minister is expected to confirm plans to scrap the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier along with its fleet of Harrier jets.

The plans could leave the UK without a carrier that can be used by British jets for around ten years.

At a cost of £5.2bn, two new vessels will be built and will be converted to allow allies such as the United States to use them.

The project continues due to the cost of completion being less than the amount to scrap the contract.

It is believed that one of the carriers may be sold within a few years.

In the House of Commons today, David Cameron is expected to discuss details regarding the delayed renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent. He will also reveal details of which other parts of Britain's armed forces are facing the axe.

The results of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) come the day before the Spending Review, which is expected to reveal cuts of up to 8% to the military.

This follows the release of the new National Security Strategy (NSS), which identified the major risks to UK security.

The review will explain Britain's response to threats and will make clear where spending will be cut.

In terms of manpower, the Army is expected to emerge largely unscathed, however the Royal Air Force is likely to be the hardest hit.

On Monday, Mr Cameron briefed US President Barack Obama on the designated cuts via telephone and discussed the implications of the SDSR.

(BMcN)

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