UK announces massive military modernization plan
British Defense Minister Ben Wallace in September 2020. AP - Toby Melville
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2 min
In the United Kingdom, the Minister of Defense detailed on Monday March 22 his plan to overhaul the army.
The British government wants to adapt its arsenal to new threats by investing billions in surveillance drones or the means to fight on the cyberspace front.
But the most important announcement is that of the downsizing of the armed forces.
The number of soldiers is expected to drop to its lowest level in three centuries.
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With our correspondent in London,
Claire Digiacomi
"As
the threat changes, we must change with it
."
It is with these words that the British Minister of Defense, Ben Wallace, presented this Monday, March 22 to the deputies his plan to modernize the army.
In all, nearly 190 billion pounds, or more than 220 billion euros, will be invested over the next four years, with one objective: to strengthen defense in what the minister calls the "
gray area
".
A new front line, in the “
virtual world
”.
The United Kingdom therefore intends to invest in
cybersecurity technologies
, to create a “constellation” of surveillance satellites in space, but also to consolidate its naval force, in particular with a reinforced fleet.
These changes will be accompanied by a drop in staff.
4,000 fewer people by 2025, or 72,500 soldiers, the lowest figure for three hundred years.
A decision criticized by the Labor opposition which denounces dangerous cuts to security.
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the increase in the nuclear arsenal ceiling, another part of the United Kingdom's international strategy after Brexit.
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United Kingdom
Defense
Boris Johnson