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RAF to double armed ISR capability

RAF to double armed ISR capability

The Royal Air Force is to double its armed ISR capability in order to identify and neutralise targets "far faster", Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told defence experts in central London today.

Setting out how he plans to spend some of the £1.8 billion extra funding for defence secured last year,  Williamson also said that the UK must be prepared to take military action against countries that “flout international law” or risk being seen as a “paper tiger”, in a strong defence of an interventionist policy in global crises.

In a speech on modernising the armed forces, Williamson also said the UK will boost its cyber warfare capabilities.

The UK is spending £4 billion a year on Britain’s Trident nuclear deterrent, which he hailed as the “ultimate guarantee of our safety”.

Williamson will also promise quicker changes in military technology.

"Against adversaries upping their spending and advancing technology, we have to respond. If we do not, we will find ourselves with fewer options when we face threats in the future."

Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffith said: "The Conservatives have slashed the defence budget by over £9 billion in real terms since 2010 and they are cutting armed forces numbers year after year.

"Instead of simply engaging in yet more sabre-rattling, Gavin Williamson should get to grips with the crisis in defence funding that is happening on his watch."

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