Elite forces boosted by £800m of hi-tech kit

BRITAIN’S new elite Special Operations Force has been given £800million to buy hi-tech kit to fight terrorism and rogue states.

The force, including the new 1,000-strong Ranger Regiment, was formed to carry out counter-insurgency operations in global trouble spots including Africa and the Middle East.

It was set up to aid local forces by providing training, expertise and intelligence, but also to support on joint local missions while freeing up the SAS and SBS to concentrate on covert operations.

Under the huge investment it will be equipped with new vehicles, night-vision equipment, lightweight body armour, sniper rifles, motorbikes and a range of hi-tech surveillance drones.

Rangers get Colt commando rifles, ballistic helmets and four-wheel-drive buggies.

The cash boost was revealed in the Ministry of Defence’s

‘The Land Industrial Strategy’ published last week, which set out procurement priorities for the future of warfare.

A senior source said: “The

‘Rangers good for recruitment’

Rangers are the Army’s key force to operate in-between the infantry and special forces.”

Modelled on the US’S Green Berets, the Ranger Regiment is designed to operate in smaller groups than the regular Army, be more self-sufficient and operate in partnership with local troops.

Each Rangers unit includes 250 experienced soldiers.

One special operations force is already deployed in Ghana training west African soldiers.

The Ranger concept was the brainchild of former SAS commander Lt Gen Sir Mark Carleton-smith, who retires from the Army this summer. He said: “The Ranger Regiment will professionalise our relationship with foreign forces.

“It is a culturally attuned unit working with long-term goals.

“The Rangers will also be good for our soldiers to aspire to join – and that applies to anyone in our organisation because it is an all-arms capability. It will take them to fascinating places and allow them to work with interesting people.

“It will also be good for retention and recruitment because most service people want variety and challenge, and the Rangers provide that.”

Soldiers from other units can volunteer to serve with the Rangers.they must pass a six-week Ranger course.