One-Fifth of the British Army Unfit for Combat, Says Ministry of Defence

Over 10,000 active sailors, soldiers, and airmen of the British Armed Forces are currently unable to deploy for combat due to being deemed medically unfit. Additionally, approximately 15,000 service members are fit for deployment but with specific medical limitations.

According to The Times, more than one-fifth of the British Army’s soldiers and officers are unable to participate in combat operations without restrictions. This data was revealed by El Cairns, the UK Minister for Veterans' Affairs.

In total, 16,335 members of the Army are classified either as "unfit for deployment for medical reasons" or "deployable with restrictions for medical reasons," which accounts for 23% of the total 71,340 active personnel. Only 55,005 soldiers in the Army are deemed fully prepared for deployment without any limitations.

For the Royal Navy, 2,922 sailors are entirely unable to go to sea, while a further 2,363 are considered fit for deployment but with medical constraints. Within the Royal Air Force, the proportion of personnel deemed medically unfit for deployment is the highest: 3,721 out of a total strength of 27,969, equating to 13% of the force.

Previously, Cairns warned that the entire British Army could face eradication or incapacitation within six months to a year of warfare should they encounter an adversary like Russia.

"With an Army of 55,000 professional soldiers, and considering Russian losses averaging approximately 1,500 personnel daily in Ukraine, the British Army would effectively cease to exist after just over one month," The Times highlighted.

Britain’s Preparedness for Potential Warfare

The Times has previously reported rising concerns in the West that Ukraine might lose the war against Russia, fueling fears that Putin could invade Eastern Europe in the coming years. Military experts suggest the United Kingdom should be prepared for a possible conflict by 2027.

At the same time, Alister Cairns, the UK Veterans' Affairs Minister, cautioned that in the face of a full-scale conflict with a power like Russia, the entire British Army could be eliminated in less than a year.

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi earlier warned that Russia could deplete European air defense systems in as little as 2-3 months.