Britain's new military might

IMAGES of Britain's military might normally evoke Nelson and the bravery of millions of men and women in two world wars. While these are glorious and unforgettable periods in our country's history ofdefending freedom, the occurrence of such mass battles on our doorstep today is mercifully rare. The nation needs a new type of force tocombat the modern perils of terrorism at home and abroad, the international drugs trade and the nuclear manoeuvres of totalitarian regimes.

That's why the coalition is right to reshape Britain's defence policy, because a new range of threats has to be tackled and done so at a time when the country's finances are threadbare.

As unpalatable as the loss of HMS Ark Royal may be, as well as the piecemeal leaking of details in advance, there is little choice. The loss of the 80-strong fleet of Harrier jets also reflects the dire economic inheritance with which David Cameron has to work.

As the nature of warfare changes, so too must the equipment. Large-scale battles involving tanks and warships are few and far between while the RAF is now more likely to be deployed in strategic bombing of enemy infrastructure than in traditional mid-air combat.

The reduction in Army and Navy manpower is sad but could prompt an overdue re-think of Britain's commitments, such as the huge presence retained in Germany 65 years after the end of the Second World War. These cuts must be carried out with the utmost respect for servicemen and women who, while they may be departing, must not be left feeling unwanted after many years of putting their lives on the line.

Making the cuts should be somewhat easier at the Ministry of Defence, where bureaucrats have consumed too many of the State's resources at a time when they are scarce.

What should remain at the end of it all is a cheaper, but better value system of defence which retains the power to protect Britain's interests as well as the flexibility to come to the aid of weaker and smaller nations.

Such a concern for the suffering of people beyond our own borders should remain one of the enduring legacies of our glorious military history.