In mid July 2004 the UK Ministry of Defence outlined potential cuts of up to 25 per cent in existing UK combat systems and 20 per cent in UK personnel numbers within four years. The UK believes precision targeting has lowered the need for as many people and platforms, operations further afield require lighter forces, and changed perceptions of threat have altered the missions of defence forces.

Although some believe the cuts may not eventuate, it could be argued a similar review is warranted for Australia's ten-year $50 billion Defence Capability Plan.