<p><br /> David Cameron has insisted the coalition is protecting Britain's future security as he confirmed deep cuts to the armed forces.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Defence's budget would fall 8 per cent in real terms by 2015. He also said army numbers would drop 7,000 and navy 5,000 over the same period.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Nimrod aircraft programme is to be cancelled and there will be fewer frigates and destroyers - but two aircraft carriers will be built.<br /> </p><p><br /> Of the strategic defence and security review, the Prime Minister said it was "not simply a cost saving exercise", even though money was tight.<br /> </p><p><br /> "This review sets out a step change in the way we protect this country's security interests," he added.<br /> </p><p><br /> The RAF will also shed 5,000 personnel by 2015, while 25,000 civilian staff will go from the MoD by the same time.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Cameron attacked Labour for leaving a £38 billion funding gap in the MoD budget.<br /> </p><p><br /> He insisted the government would remain within the 2 per cent of GDP target for Nato countries' investment in defence.<br /> </p><p><br /> After the reductions, the UK would still have the fourth largest military in the world, Mr Cameron told the Commons.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Britain has traditionally punched above its weight in the world and we should have no less ambition for our country in the years to come," he added.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Cameron stressed that the cuts would not affect operations in Afghanistan, which are funded from the Treasury's special reserve rather than the MoD budget.<br /> </p>
