At a meeting with British Defence Attachés, hosted in London, Sir
Michael called on the UK’s military diplomats to take advantage
of the growing network to deliver security and prosperity for
Britain.
In a move which underlined the UK’s 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’s 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 Attaché 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’s overseas network
delivers on a key commitment of the Government’s 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 said:
The UK’s 120 Defence Attachés work to protect and advance
Britain’s interests abroad, strengthening relationships with
our allies and advancing defence and security partnerships.
Britain’s 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 Attachés. These include:
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Pressing home the Coalition’s advantage against Daesh,
including pushing the group out of Iraq.
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Continuing to strengthen NATO, underlining its position as
the world’s foremost defensive alliance.
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Demonstrating the UK’s commitment to European and global
security.
With a £178 billion equipment programme, the UK meets NATO’s 2%
target for GDP spending on defence. This year, Britain is leading
NATO’s ‘spearhead force’ - 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 Attaché network, with over 120
DAs in 80 countries worldwide.
