By Richard Johnstone | 14 July 2014
Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a £1.1bn defence investment plan to improve the intelligence and surveillance skills of the armed forces.
Revealing the funding at the Farnborough International Airshow today, Cameron said the money was available as a result of the decisions taken by the government to cut defence spending, which led to it balancing the defence budget in May 2012.
The funding will include £800m to be spent on a package of improvements to the areas of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, with additional spending on unmanned ‘drone’ aircraft. Around £300m will also be spent on upgrading existing capabilities, including a new radar system for Typhoon aircraft.
The prime minister said the improvements would extend the range and flexibility of the defence forces.
‘Having modern, technologically advanced and flexible armed forces to protect us and our interests is vital,’ he said.
‘Because of the difficult decisions we have taken to tackle the deficit we are able to make these vital investments in our defence capabilities. We are also taking action to sustain our thriving defence industry, as part of our long-term economic plan to back business, create jobs and secure a brighter future for hardworking people.’
