This week Neil Carmichael MP discusses defence spending

WE FACE a variety of serious, unpredictable and growing security threats. President Putin is challenging the west in the Ukraine and, potentially, the Baltic states. The so-called Islamic State is pushing towards the Mediterranean and attracting support from similar organisations elsewhere but notably in Africa. Overall, we also face intermittent threats as a result of political instability in several states and ‘cyber’ attacks from several directions.

Strategically, we are well placed. Nato membership provides us with collective security and, immediately, strengthens the west’s position is respect to the Baltic. (Ukraine is not a Nato member.) Furthermore, Nato is pursuing a target of two per cent of GDP being spent on defence by member states. Britain is leading the way by example and, under the Conservatives, will push further. In addition, our European partners are cooperating with each other more readily as threats become more acute.

For Britain, it is imperative for us to have well equipped, capable and mobile forces. This is why so much attention has been given to equipment and training. Huge sums have already been spent on our armed forces with a further £163 billion committed over the next decade.

For the Royal Navy this means we will have two 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers soon to be equipped with the most advanced naval aircraft in the world, providing capacity to project significant military power. The carriers will be augmented by six new state of the art Type 45 Destroyers and the forthcoming Type 26 Frigates. £37 billion has also been earmarked for our increasingly modern submarine fleet.

The Royal Air Force has a fleet of Joint Strike Fighters made up of the fifth-generation stealth aircraft and the proven Typhoon aircraft. To support our land forces in terms of tactical air transport, the Airbus A400M (wings made in Filton) will be a valuable workhorse and the new Rivet Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Aircraft will give the eyes and ears we need.

The army is equipped with impressive armoured vehicles including the SCOUT specialist vehicle and Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme. The Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank is also being improved.