New investment in counter terrorism for UK Armed Forces
Prime Minister David Cameron announces investment in counter terrorism capabilities for the Armed Forces.
Ministry of Defence
The UK has stepped up its commitment to keeping the people of Britain safe at home and abroad by unveilling plans that will see the current RAF Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) fleet double as well as an upgrade in Special Forces’ equipment.
In order to equip UK intelligence agencies and British Armed forces with the capabilities they need to keep the streets of Britain safe the Prime Minister has announced that the the RAF will replace the existing fleet of 10 Reaper aircraft with more than 20 of the latest generation of RPAS, which will be called Protector and will carry the very latest technology.
With a greater range and endurance the new Protector aircraft will dramatically increase the UK’s ability to identify, track, deter and ultimately counter potential threats. Combined with the increase in the size of the fleet, this will substantially enhance the UK’s global Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability.
The new counter-terrorism package will also be underpinned with an uplift of equipment for UK Special Forces. New specialist weapons and clothing will ensure that the force remain at the cutting edge of technology, giving them a clear advantage over enemies.
The UK has made provision for the investment as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and is only possible because this government has committed to increase to meet the NATO investment pledge and spend 2% on defence for the rest of this decade.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
The duty of the UK Government is to keep our country safe and we must do more as the threats we face evolve. We must adapt and stay ahead of our enemies
This investment package will enhance our ability to address these sophisticated dangers both at home and abroad, allowing us to intervene with speed and precision to protect the people of the UK and our international partners