Britain must “reassess” the size of its military, a senior US government official has warned.
Navy Secretary Carlos del Toro said “sacrifices are being made” on the Army as it shrinks to its smallest size in 300 years.
His intervention followed warnings that the Army was too small and the British could be called up in the event of war with Russia.
Del Toro said investment in the Royal Navy was also “hugely important”, as the Royal Navy had destroyed four frigates for the first time in its history and is preparing to depart with fewer than 10 frigates.
Speaking at think tank RUSI, he said: “Given the threats that exist today, it is important for the UK to reassess its current position.”
“The British Army has experienced hardship because of the country’s economic strength…sacrifices have been made.
He argued that Britain needed to decide for itself “whether we need to strengthen our army.”
But he added: “Given the near-term economic threats to the UK and the US, investment in the navy is critical.”
This comes after the Secretary of State for War, Sir Patrick Saunders, warned that the Army was too small and the nation would be called up in the event of war with Russia.
He called for a reliable force of 120,000, including reserves, more than 22,000 more than the current strength.
