Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Rejected
Paragraph: 125
2021 Defence Command Paper cuts weakened UK air power, leaving the nation dangerously exposed.
Conclusion
The far-reaching cuts to aircraft numbers set out in the 2021 Defence Command Paper weakened the UK’s air power capability at a time when the armed forces were already over-stretched. The scale of this gamble became clear less than a year later, when Europe faced its most serious security crisis in decades as Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The MoD’s acceptance of capability gaps and its cuts to combat mass across the fleet have left the UK dangerously exposed at a time of increasing threat to national security and risk diminishing our role within NATO.
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the committee's conclusion, asserting that increased defence spending and transformation programmes ensure the RAF continues to modernise and play a vital role in UK and allied security, rather than being diminished.
Paragraph Reference:
125
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
It is precisely because of its critical duty to defend the UK and its interests that at the last Spending Review, Defence received £24 billion over four years—the largest increase to defence spending since the Cold War. This increased investment will support the delivery of Defence’s major transformation programmes outlined in in the 2021 DCP, which will deliver capabilities across the Armed Forces. Far from being “diminished”, the RAF’s air and space power will continue to play a vital role in the security and prosperity of the UK and our allies. Alongside, 24/7 defence of the UK, last year the RAF deployed 7500 personnel on 41 operations across 75 countries, including included a near constant presence in the Black Sea, and an enhanced presence on NATO’s eastern flank, seeing a doubling of the number operational sorties compared with the previous year. Aviation Procurement: Winging It?: Government Response 11 The decisions taken in DCP 2021, and endorsed in the refresh earlier this year, will see the RAF continue to modernise and transform, ensuring it becomes even more capable to meet current and future threats. Its journey to becoming a more networked and digitally- connected force, built around more capable platforms and the first-rate people who operate and support them, will ensure its enduring ability to fulfil its critical role in protecting our nation.