British Troops May Remain in Germany to Counter Russian Aggression

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon hinted that British troops may remain in Germany to counter growing Russian aggression on Europe's eastern front. The revelation comes as the UK considers its military presence in the region, with Nato allies pressing for heightened protection from Vladimir Putin's military expansion. Fallon stated that the plea would be considered as part of the ongoing Strategic Defence and Security Review, which is due to report in the autumn.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK is under "considerable pressure" from Nato allies to maintain a military presence in Germany to counter Russian aggression.
• The Army Basing programme, which aims to bring all 20,000 British troops home from Germany by 2020, may be revised in the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
• The Major Projects Authority has warned that "successful delivery of the project appears to be unachievable" due to concerns over resourcing, governance, and planning.
• Defence Secretary Michael Fallon admitted that the costs of moving heavy armour and other materiel back and forth from Germany to the UK were a concern.
• The UK has been based in Germany since the end of World War II, with troop numbers boosted during the Cold War but cut after the Berlin Wall was torn down.
• Over 6,400 people have died in fighting in eastern Ukraine, and a Malaysian Airlines jet was shot down last July, allegedly by a missile system supplied by Moscow.
• Former Soviet countries and retired British military chiefs are calling for Nato to boost its forces in the region and for the UK to scrap plans to switch soldiers back to the UK.
• Defence Secretary Michael Fallon came under pressure to commit to spending 2% of national income on the Armed Forces, but instead suggested that some projects could be postponed to balance the books.

Statistics:

• 20,000 British troops are based in Germany.
• Over 6,400 people have died in fighting in eastern Ukraine.
• The Army Basing Programme is a £1.8 billion project.
• The UK has a defence fund pot of £34 billion.
• 298 people, including 10 Britons, were killed when a Malaysian Airlines jet was shot down last July.
• 30 Britons were killed in the terror attack in Tunisia last week.

Sources:

• A red alert was issued by the Major Projects Authority on Friday regarding the Army Basing programme.
• Defence Secretary Michael Fallon spoke to the Royal United Services Institute on the same day.
• The Government announced the Army Basing Programme in March 2013.
• The Kremlin invaded the Crimea in February last year, and a bloody revolt began in eastern Ukraine weeks later.
• A Malaysian Airlines jet was shot down last July, allegedly by a missile system supplied by Moscow.