Hoon plans MoD cuts for a new type of warfare

Geoff Hoon will reveal cuts and investment today paving the way for the most extensive restructuring of Britain's armed forces in more than a century. The Defence Secretary will tell the Commons Britain should be equipped for 21st-century "asymmetric warfare", switching from the doctrine of the Cold War to fighting terrorist gangs and rogue states.

Geoff Hoon will reveal cuts and investment today paving the way for the most extensive restructuring of Britain's armed forces in more than a century. The Defence Secretary will tell the Commons Britain should be equipped for 21st-century "asymmetric warfare", switching from the doctrine of the Cold War to fighting terrorist gangs and rogue states.

The first casualties will be single-battalion regiments, mainly Scottish, including the illustrious Black Watch and the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, the famed Thin Red Line. They will probably merge.

One brigade of 120 heavy tanks will go, as will three Type 42 destroyers, two Type 23 frigates, and, possibly, two nuclear submarines. The RAF will lose its aging F3 Tornado fighters and Harrier and Jaguar ground attack aircraft.

Mr Hoon also plans to spend £800m for pilotless surveillance aircraft, to be made by the Thales group.