The British Army has been ordered to suspend major training exercises in a bid to save £30 million, prompting warnings that the move could undermine the UK's military readiness. Commanding officers have been instructed to halt “collective training” involving large numbers of troops unless units are preparing to deploy, are on standby, or have a quick-reaction role.
The order means exercises involving heavy armour and attack helicopters are among those being cancelled, while the Army shifts its focus towards smaller-scale warfare involving drones. The Royal Tank Regiment was due to begin six weeks of live-fire exercises in Wales next week, but the training was cancelled just days before it was due to start, reported The Times. Training for reservists attached to the exercise was also scrapped.
Senior source describes situation as 'absolutely devastating'
A senior military source described the situation as “absolutely devastating”, saying: “Armies train, that is what they do. Now nothing is going to happen. Everything is cancelled and commanding officers have 600 blokes with nothing to do.”
The cuts are being driven by a shortage of money for in-year running costs and are separate from spending on major equipment programmes such as warships and fighter jets. Reservist budgets have also been reduced by 10% as part of the measures.
National Army Museum director calls decision a 'scandal'
The scale-back has prompted a fierce warning from Justin Maciejewski, director of the National Army Museum, who called the decision a “scandal”. He said: “It is unprecedented in the history of the Army since World War II and given the seriousness of the threats we are facing it shows a national dereliction of duty.”
Defence chiefs have also reportedly warned commanders to handle communications about the cancellations carefully because of the potential impact on Britain's adversaries. One military source said officers had been told to “keep this a very close hold and communicate it very carefully”, warning that the decision could give the impression that Britain was not taking preparations for war seriously.
Army insists changes are part of modern warfare overhaul
The Army insists, however, that the changes form part of a deliberate overhaul of how troops are trained for modern warfare. It says traditional battle exercises involving large formations of tanks and other vehicles are being deprioritised as lessons from the war in Ukraine reshape military thinking. Tanks and aircraft operating in large groups can be vulnerable to drones and long-range air defence systems, meaning soldiers increasingly need to master counter-drone tactics and more mobile methods of fighting.
An Army source said exercises were being cancelled on a case-by-case basis rather than under a blanket suspension. Basic training for tank regiments, including soldiering skills, driving, camouflage, gunnery simulations and other foundational activities, is continuing.
The changes come as the Government faces pressure to increase defence spending amid concerns over the threat posed by Russia. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has accused the Prime Minister of failing to prioritise defence and warned that Britain's enemies would not wait for the Government to find the money to strengthen the armed forces.
The Army says £2 billion has recently been announced to transform its training over the next 15 years, arguing that the investment makes it vital to prioritise activity most directly linked to readiness, deployability and operational effectiveness. Meanwhile, British forces are preparing to change their role in Estonia, where Challenger 2 tanks will be withdrawn as the deployment transitions next April to a 1,200-strong mobile anti-armour force equipped with weapons including advanced drones.
