Britain must 'reassess' the size of its armed forces as its army shrinks to its smallest size in 300 years, a top US official has warned
Britain must “reassess” the size of its armed forces, a top US official has warned.
Navy Chief Carlos Del Toro said “sacrifices have been made” to the military as it shrinks to its smallest size in 300 years.
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His intervention follows warnings that the British could be called in in the event of war with Russia because the army it's too small.
Del Toro said that investments in the Royal Navy was also “of significant importance” as the fleet prepares to retire four warships, sailing with fewer than ten frigates for the first time in its history.
Speaking to the RUSI think tank, he said: “It is important for Britain to reassess where they are now, given the threats that exist today.
“The British military has weathered challenges because of the country's economic strength. Sacrifices have been made.
He stressed that Britain must decide for itself “whether to strengthen the army”.
But he added that “given the near-term economic threats to Britain and the US, investment in the navy is significantly important.”
It comes after the army chief General Sir Patrick Sanders warned that the public would be summoned in the event of war Russia because the army is too small.
He called for a credible force of 120,000 including reserves, more than 22,000 more than the current combat strength.