UK defence statistics 2008

The main change this year is the introduction of a new chapter on Health statistics, including tables on deaths and suicides in the Armed Forces, operational casualties, and health and safety statistics.

There is also a new table in Chapter 1 regarding MOD payments on Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects and major equipment projects; and new tables in Chapter 2 that show the strength of UK regular forces by religion, ethnicity and nationality.

After consultation, statistics on aircraft air accidents, casualties and flying hours have been ceased, and the chapter which formerly covered this has been removed accordingly.

Although "UK Defence Statistics" is a National Statistics publication, some of the constituent tables do not constitute National Statistics.

These tables have been included because they nevertheless provide useful contextual or indicative data. There are three groups of tables involved: those provided by organisations other than the UK Government, such as NATO; those from official sources that do not meet all the quality standards for National Statistics; and, those which have not yet fulfilled the criteria required to be approved by the UK Statistics Authority for assignation as a National Statistic.

The tables concerned are clearly marked and have further explanatory notes where necessary.