Defence Cuts latest
HUGE DEFENCE SHAKE-UP
The biggest shake-up of the military for a generation is being announced by the Defence Secretary.
Geoff Hoon told MPs the changes would ensure the armed forces could respond effectively to the new global challenges.
He announced that four infantry battalions - three from England and one from Scotland - are to be cut in the "restructuring" of the armed forces.
Three type-42 destroyers and three type-23 frigates will be taken out of service from the Royal Navy by March 2006.
Mr Hoon said that one RAF Tornado F-3 air defence squadron would be cut and the withdrawal of two Jaguar squadrons would be brought forward to 2006 - with the final Jaguar squadron to be disbanded in 2007.
Mr Hoon also announced that RAF Coltishall in Norfolk would be closed by the end of 2006 and the overall RAF manpower requirement reduced to around 41,000 by 2008.
The changes are driven in part by a shift in military strategy following the end of the Cold War towards the development of highly flexible rapid reaction forces.
But the shake-up also reflects financial pressures on the MoD.
Unveiling his White Paper 'Security in a Changing World' to the Commons in December, Mr Hoon said the emphasis would be on using technology to deliver the maximum military effect from the forces available.