UK Military Revamp: Fewer Troops, More Robots, and New-Look Marines

A Viking armored vehicle and a Royal Marine from 42 Commando take part in an exercise at Barry Buddon, simulating an attack in a hostile country in Carnoustie, Scotland, on April 12, 2013. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

British troop levels will shrink to record lows as the Ministry of Defence puts its faith in technology, automation, and cyber and space capabilities in its long-awaited revamp.

The Defence Command paper, published yesterday, is billed as the biggest shake-up to the military since the Cold War.