U.K. cuts defense spending, projects

LONDON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Aircraft fleets will be cut and naval vessels reduced under Britain's plan to cut 8 percent of its $57.8 billion defense budget over the next four years.

The intended cuts were made public this week in the Ministry of Defense's Strategic Defense and Security Review. The document is available on the ministry's Web site.

Among the review's decisions:

-- The Nimrod MRA4 maritime reconnaissance fleet and the Harrier jet fleet will be withdrawn from service immediately.

-- The country will change its carrier strike aircraft from the vertical takeoff version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, from a project headed by Lockheed Martin, to the carrier variant.

-- An intended buy of 22 Chinook heavy lift helicopters, manufactured by Boeing, has been reduced to 12.

-- Four navy frigates will be decommissioned as the navy cuts its fleet to 19 frigates and destroyers.

-- Replacement of four nuclear submarines will be delayed five years to 2028 and carrier strike capability will be based on one single ship, with a second planned carrier kept in reserve.

The British army will lose 40 percent cut of its Challenger 2 tanks, produced by Alvis Vickers, and 35 percent reduction of its heavy artillery.

The British air force will lose from service the Raytheon-developed Sentinel battlefield surveillance aircraft once it is no longer needed for British military operations in Afghanistan.

In addition to reduction in equipment and acquisition projects, reductions in the number of uniformed and civilian service personnel are planned, the report said.