MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ defence ready for any crisis, “including external aggression”

MPA configured to allow for rapid reinforcement

The Falkland Islands will continue to be defended by one of the most capable military forces in the world and Mount Pleasant remains configured to allow for rapid reinforcement should it become necessary to deal with external aggression, according to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands HQ, BFSAI.

The much announced UK Strategic Defence and Security Review, SDRS, has been published and, according to a statement from the office of Chief of Staff HQ BFSAI, Group Captain Steven Russell, it heralds “a new strategic approach, based on rigorous risk management and conflict prevention.”

While maintaining highly capable military forces, any emerging risks can be stopped and dealt with before they become a crisis, the statement read, adding that the formation of the National Security Council was an important new development that would bring together key Ministers and defence and intelligence chiefs to ensure that cross-government resources were employed to best effect.

“Whilst some priorities are familiar, such as counter-terrorism, new priorities, such as cyber-security, have been identified that will attract increased investment.

The SDSR process has been subject to rigorous prioritisation, based on clear understanding of UK’s priorities, but will be implemented in challenging financial circumstances,” it said.

And it is very much business as usual for British Forces in the Falklands: “The Islands will continue to be defended by one of the world’s most capable, balanced and integrated military forces. Additionally, Mount Pleasant remains configured to allow for rapid reinforcement should it become necessary to deal with any crisis, including as a result of external aggression.”

Earlier in the week Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the British military presence in the Falkland Islands would be maintained in spite of Argentine complaints and the latest defence and security review.

Hague said that military exercises in the Falklands are routine and will continue as announced and planned “as has been the case periodically for at least the last twenty years”.

The Foreign Secretary also emphasized that Britain is in conditions to defend the Falklands in spite of the budget pruning announced this week which represents an 8% cut for defence.

“We are committed and there are no doubts that we are totally equipped to defend the Falkland Islands. There won’t be any reductions in that area”, insisted Hague.