However, it said since 2001 the general condition of defences had not improved significantly.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Flood defences 'lack maintenance'

One senior military official says General Alexander's priority will be to improve the defences of military networks.

ECONOMIST: Are the mouse and keyboard the new weapons of conflict?

General Cordingley did not think that the Iraqi armed forces would present much trouble, once Iraq's air defences had been dealt with.

BBC: British Tornado jet in file photo