![]() ![]() The MoD defence budget - and thus military capability - is based on a set of assumptions around threats and timeframes. So, surely all weapons provided to Ukraine leave a gap in the UK inventory and therefore compromise national security? ![]() Therefore, the West does not hold excess stocks of weapons in its stockpiles, and any shortfall in weapons cannot be swiftly addressed. The UK - like most other nations - holds sufficient stocks of critical weapons to meet near-term needs, and routinely must "take risk" when budget restrictions limit the number of weapons that can be procured. Modern weapons are sourced using a lengthy procurement process that involves developing a list of MoD requirements, running a competition to secure the best value for money from industry, and then procuring sufficient weapons to meet national requirements for the next few decades. The UK has sent anti-tank missiles, artillery guns, air defence systems, armoured fighting vehicles, antistructure munitions and three M270 long-range multiple launch rocket systems.Īlthough the British government is committed to supporting Ukraine over the longer-term, most of the high-tech precision weapons provided have had to be sourced from war stockpiles. Our military analyst Sean Bell has the answer.Īs the second-biggest donor, the UK has committed £4.6bn in military assistance to Ukraine so far - £2.3bn last year and a commitment to match that funding this year. Today's comes from Richard Sm, who asks: "Given all the UK military equipment given to Ukraine, how depleted are the UK's military forces in its ability to defend itself?" After a week off to run our Putin: The Man and his Motives series, we are back with our lunchtime feature in which our analysts and foreign correspondents answer your questions on the war in Ukraine. ![]()
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