Summary
The article discusses concerns from a former NATO chief about the UK's declining military size and spending. It highlights reductions in the number of UK military personnel and equipment since 1990 and examines the government's response regarding future defense spending plans.
Key Facts
- The UK Army's regular soldiers numbered 153,000 in 1990 and have decreased to 73,790.
- The UK's 2025 defense review suggests not reducing the Army below 73,000 regular soldiers.
- Applications to join the UK Army fell by about 40% between 2024 and 2025.
- The Royal Navy's major combat ships decreased from 48 in 1990 to 17 currently.
- The Royal Air Force had over 300 combat jets in 1990, now down to 137 Typhoons and 37 F-35s.
- Current UK government aims to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.
- The UK plans to aim for 3% of GDP in defense spending during the next parliamentary session.
- UK currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defense, slightly above NATO's mid-point.
