Perhaps those releasing this story are just trying to remind those busy sharpening the knives pre-SDR that defence is not just about Afghanistan. Defence of the UK, which is the primary role/ responsibility of the MOD/ Government, is what Trident/ QRA are about. Afghanistan, tanks, bombers, aircraft carriers etc are about offence, imposing our will on other countries, enabling the government to strut their stuff on the world stage/ UN Security Council etc, and as such should be regarded as a secondary role. That is why the SDR should be led by a Foreign Policy review and what role the UK should take in the world with regard to our current financial position, and not just be based on a targeted saving.