Welcome to the 2008 edition of UK Defence Statistics, the annual statistical compendium published by the Ministry of Defence.

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.

The first edition of UKDS 2008 is issued as a web document only. The second edition will be issued later in 2008 and will form the basis of the printed book, factsheet and Defence Pocket Cards. The second edition will include updated information for a table in Chapter 1 where data were unavailable at the time of first edition publication.

DASA also publishes a number of monthly and quarterly statistical bulletins; these are available on our web site or from the DASA contact points listed here. These contact points may also be used for any feedback that you may have.