MILITARY CAMPAIGNERS warned yesterday that the pursuit of so-called “smart weapons” over thinking soldiers may spectacularly backfire on the UK.

Agnes Hunter, Scottish co-ordinator of the pressure group Support Our Soldiers, said rogue states will soon close the technology gap should we sink all our cash into smart weapons.

This would leave the country dangerously expose to threats of terror or other forms of foreign aggression.

Mrs Hunter asked, “Whom will we look to for support and human expertise in a future crisis—France or Germany?

“No amount of new technology can replace the man on the ground and we’ve got it and it works,” said Mrs Hunter.

“How long is it going to be before some other fanatics access that same technology and test our new slimline resources?

“From what we have seen in recent months, the new technology is leaving a lot to be desired, as is the MoD’s spending programme—its most recent acquisition being £1000-a-piece chairs for refurbished Whitehall offices,” said Mrs Hunter.

“It is ludicrous that this Government is planning these cuts, particularly when it is the Scottish regiments who are sent into action,” she added.