200 Marines facing the axe as Navy forced to cut costs

HUNDREDS of Royal Marines could be axed and replaced with sailors under plans being looked at by defence chiefs.

It is understood the Navy could lose some 200 Marines in order to boost sailor numbers and save cash. This would see more sailors manning new aircraft carriers.

One of the three frontline com- mando units could also be converted into a support role outfit. Large-scale overseas training programmes may also be cut.

It comes after a report warned the Ministry of Defence has to find £5.6billion in savings over the next ten years. Yesterday Sir Michael Fallon refused to rule out a cut to the Marines amid the funding shortfall.