The British army's plans to reduce troop numbers from 82,000 to 73,000 may be cancelled as the looming threat of a 'hot' war with Russia has forced Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to

re-evaluate military cuts. This move comes after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which led to a reassessment of the UK's security risks. The UK government's Integrated Review, which is being released on Monday, is expected to allocate another £5 billion to the Ministry of Defence budget, though this is only half of the amount that Wallace has been demanding.

Wallace has been warning that the UK could face confrontation with Russia in the coming decade, whether it is 'hot' or 'cold.' As a result, the decision to cut the number of main battle tanks from 227 to 148 is being reconsidered, and the reduction in troop strength is now being condemned by Tory MPs. The reduction would have resulted in the lowest troop numbers since the Napoleonic era.

The UK's allies have reportedly criticized the country's military readiness, but James Heappey, a junior defence minister, disagrees. Although he admits that there have been "robust exchanges" with the Treasury over military funding, he is "pretty confident" that the armed forces will receive the necessary investment for the next two years.

Despite criticisms, Heappey insists that the UK is not a "second-tier army" and that both Wallace and he have been honest about the consequences of decisions taken during the Iraq and Afghanistan years to disinvest in the capabilities that allow large forces to move quickly.

In terms of military aid to Ukraine, surplus RAF Typhoons have been suggested, but Heappey says that there is a four-to-six-month training period required for Ukraine's experienced fighter pilots. However, he adds that the UK is considering all options to provide political choice if and when it is necessary. It is "eminently possible" that the UK could supply Typhoons or provide RAF cover to backfill other nations in the short term.

Defence Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood believes that Putin is the most destabilizing force in Europe, and faster action is needed to prevent a stalemate. He believes that the UK's equipment can help stand up to Putin and is urging the UK government to put out the fire in the next few months. Photo: Andrew Linnett/MOD, Wikimedia commons.