LONDON, June 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
* Over £500 million will be committed tocontinue thetransformation ofthe UK Commando Force,includingwithnew high-speed Commando Insertion Craft.
* Defence Secretary has shifted Defence Investment Plan towards more immediate priorities, including getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel on the frontline.
* The DIP is expected to be publishedahead of the NATO Summitand set out funding to support the Armed Forces,bolster Britishindustryand strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence.
The UK's elite Commandos will be equipped with new high-speed boats and the latest drone and autonomous technology, as the new Defence Secretary shifts spending towards front-line priorities to deter emerging threats.
Dan Jarvis has spent the last two weeks refocusing the Defence Investment Plan - expected to be publishedahead of the NATO Summit- so that it prioritises getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel, including for the UK's elite Commandos.
The UK Commando Force is the elite frontline, rapid-reaction force of the UK Armed Forces, capable of deploying anywhere in the world atvery shortnotice.They form the vanguard of NATO's rapid-reaction forces,transitioningseamlessly fromyear-round Arcticdefence missions to immediate crisis-response operations in the Middle East.
The refreshed DIP will see over £500 million committed to transforming the Commandos into the Future Commando Force, focused on the High North due to its growing importance to UKand NATOsecurity.
This lethal Force will be equipped with new high-speed Commando Insertion Craft (CIC), which could be used to seize further Russian shadow fleet tankers and other maritime security operations.Thisprogramme will see the UKcollaborate withNorway, a key NATO Ally in the High North, and build on the historic Type 26 frigate deal.
The transformation into the Future Commando Force will also include:
*
Nearly £100millionfor newtransformative technologies. This includesuncrewed vessels, next-generation communications, networkedtargetingand strike drones-presenting a significant economic opportunity for UK industry, supporting high-skilled jobs,technologyand export potential.
*
Investment in new larger Amphibious Transport Ships to support UK Commando Forceoperations,aiming to create a new combined fleet with the Netherlands.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:
Our elite Commando Force is respected around the world, conducting operations that help to keep the nation and our allies safe.
We'reinvesting in new lethal strike drones, high-speedboatsand amphibious transport ships to give our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us.
The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
