Where MoD bonuses could have been spent...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bereaved families said almost £300 million which has been spent on bonuses for civil servants at the Ministry of Defence since the start of the war in Iraq should have been spent on equipment for troops instead.
* At least five airworthy Chinook Mk3 helicopters at a cost of £52.5 million each, according to the Public Accounts Committee in March 2009.
* Upgrades for 48 Lynx Mk 9 helicopters to boost helicopter capability in Afghanistan, based on a £70 million upgrade programme for 12 helicopters.
* About 300 brand new armoured support trucks to accompany patrols and carry essential supplies such as water and ammunition. These could include the Wolfhound, Husky and Coyotee. A similar MoD programme brought 400 support trucks for £350 million in October last year.
* An £18 million Fire Support Weapon programme would procure a full suite of the latest weapons optics - including a telescopic day sight, image intensifying and thermal night sights and a laser rangefinder - to support the Grenade Machine Gun, a weapon which the MoD says has proven "hugely effective in operations, particularly in Afghanistan".
* More than 17,000 extra Army privates on the lowest salary of £16,681 a year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments