The Ministry of Defence has denied claims that the UK is planning to reduce airborne capability or cut pay for paratroopers, following reporting suggesting the Army could narrow its parachute forces to a smaller specialist structure.
Speculation emerged after a written parliamentary answer from Defence Minister Al Carns appeared to indicate that airborne parachuting would be retained but focused on a narrower part of the force. Carns said the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) had “considered all aspects of Defence, including military parachuting capabilities” and concluded that “airborne parachute capability and capacity should remain focused on specialists and a single battalion group.”
That wording was interpreted by some observers, including me, as implying that routine parachute insertion could become a more limited capability, potentially affecting the wider Parachute Regiment structure.
However, the MoD has since issued a clarification, with a spokesperson stating: “These claims are incorrect. There are no plans to cut any Parachute Battalion, nor Para pay.” The spokesperson added that the parliamentary question itself was clear that the government is continuing with its existing plans for parachuting.
While the MoD insists there will be no battalion cuts, the phrase “focused on specialists and a single battalion group” has been widely read as implying a structural shift away from broad infantry parachuting. Other defence reporting has similarly highlighted the ambiguity.
Forces News and LBC, among others, described the SDR language as suggesting a narrowing of airborne parachute activity, even if formal battalion structures remain intact. UK Defence Journal previously reported that some interpretations of the SDR wording pointed toward parachute insertion becoming a specialist capability rather than a method held across multiple battalions.
Oh yes we are, oh no we’re not…Hopeless as always. 🫣
The longer the DIP is delayed, the more of these kinds of misunderstandings are likely to happen.
The government seems to be clear on what it is not going to do but vague about what it is.
It is hard to believe that the key elements of future defence spending and structures are still undecided.
Aaaaand another U-turn!
SNAFU🙄
To quote a very famous and funny TV show, “Never believe anything until it’s officially denied.”