Prime Minister David Cameron has announced investment in counter terrorism capabilities for the Armed Forces.
The investment follows the pledge made this summer announcing that the UK Government will continue to meet the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defence and security.
Mr Cameron also unveiled plans that will see the current RAF Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) fleet double, as well as an upgrade in Special Forces’ equipment.
The Prime Minister has announced that the RAF will replace the existing fleet of ten 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.”
