Troop numbers in the SAS are 'too low' and leave it unable to mount top secret ... trends now

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The number of elite troops in Britain's military is potentially too low to combat the threat posed by Russia, China and terrorism, defence experts have warned.

Commanders fear regiments such as the SAS may be unable to participate in future covert operations, with one former military officer blaming Government cuts for leaving Special Forces – which are 'vital to the security of the nation' – short of personnel.

The concerns come amid renewed fears about the level of investment in defence and claims that the Armed Forces have been hollowed out. Although a funding increase of £11 billion over the next five years was announced in last week's Budget, the figure is still short of Government targets to spend three per cent of the GDP on the sector by 2030.

The SAS, SBS and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment, which make up the main units of the UK Special Forces Group (UKSF), are currently believed to be only about 65 to 70 per cent staffed.