REPORTS: Crucial Battlefield Training Under Threat

Military exercises at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Canada are under threat from a funding crisis in the MoD.

The battlefield training exercises at the unit prepare soldiers to fight a number of different adversaries. 

Army sources told the Times said that the numbers of troops training at the unit will be reduced, as the armed forces struggle to identify at least £1 billion a year in extra savings over the next decade to close a hole in the budget.

In a statement, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said:

“Britain has the largest defence budget in Europe and it is growing as we invest billions of pounds in new Ajax armoured vehicles, cutting-edge communications equipment, ships, submarines and aircraft. Spending is monitored continually to ensure the £36 billion Defence budget focuses on front line priorities and delivers value for money by maximising efficiencies.”

The training area is the size of Wales and has been used by the British Army since 1972.

Every year four Battlegroups are trained at BATUS, including Live Fire and Tactical Effects Simulation (TESEX) training.

The centre is equipped with over 1,000 vehicles including a full complement of Challenger 2 tanks and Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

Over 400 permanent staff and 1,000 temporary deployed staff work there to provide demanding combined arms manoeuvre training for the Army.