Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon hails importance of UK's defence network
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has praised the important work of the UK's growing defence network.
Sir Michael Fallon addresses British Defence Attach茅s in London
At a meeting with British Defence Attach茅s, hosted in London, Sir Michael called on the UK鈥檚 military diplomats to take advantage of the growing network to deliver security and prosperity for Britain.
In a move which underlined the UK鈥檚 global role, Sir Michael last year announced the creation of three new regional hubs for defence engagement. The new British Defence Staffs for the Gulf, Asia Pacific and West Africa are now established, allowing our personnel to advance the UK鈥檚 important defence and security interests in their region. The new hubs will be based in Dubai, Singapore and Abuja.
Britain last year also strengthened its commitment to NATO Allies and European partners by creating new Defence Attach茅 posts in Albania, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Georgia. In Africa, 2016 saw the UK establish a new Defence Section covering Senegal, The Gambia, Mali and Niger.
The expansion of the Ministry of Defence鈥檚 overseas network delivers on a key commitment of the Government鈥檚 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). The SDSR increased the importance of defence engagement overseas, by making it a core defence task.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
The UK鈥檚 120 Defence Attach茅s work to protect and advance Britain鈥檚 interests abroad, strengthening relationships with our allies and advancing defence and security partnerships.
Britain鈥檚 new Defence Staffs are now up and running, underlining our global role, promoting the UK abroad and furthering security and prosperity at home.
At the annual gathering in London, Sir Michael outlined his 2017 priorities to the Attach茅s. These include:
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Pressing home the Coalition鈥檚 advantage against Daesh, including pushing the group out of Iraq.
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Continuing to strengthen NATO, underlining its position as the world鈥檚 foremost defensive alliance.
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Demonstrating the UK鈥檚 commitment to European and global security.
With a 拢178 billion equipment programme, the UK meets NATO鈥檚 2% target for GDP spending on defence. This year, Britain is leading NATO鈥檚 鈥榮pearhead force鈥� - 3000 troops at high readiness, ready to respond to any threat. The UK will also deploy to Estonia in spring 2017, underlining our commitment to the defence of NATO. The UK has an extensive Defence Attach茅 network, with over 120 DAs in 80 countries worldwide.