A fresh row over defence cuts erup-ted today after it emerged a quarter of RAF trainee pilots are to be sacked.

A fresh row over defence cuts erup-ted today after it emerged a quarter of RAF trainee pilots are to be sacked.

Experts warned the cull would hit operations in Afghanistan, while shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said it showed the "harmful human impact" of the Government's plans.

About 100 student pilots are expected to be lost, with reports suggesting some are just hours from becoming fully qualified. The cost of their training so far is estimated at £300 million.

Commander John Muxworthy, chairman of the UK National Defence Association, told the Daily Telegraph the move would "weaken our capabilities" and impact on "every other RAF and Army element in Afghanistan".

Ministry of Defence sources insisted the mission would not be affected and the cut in pilots was a result of reducing the RAF fleet. They said the measures were part of already-announced plans. Harrier jets and Nimrod spy planes have been axed, and the Tornado fleet is being shrunk. "Personnel reductions have to be made to match the fewer number or aircraft," the source said. "This has no impact on Afghanistan."

The MoD defended itself over revelations that the cost of scrapping military equipment under the Government's spending review would be more than £12 billion. A source said action was needed to deal with a £38 billion black hole left by Labour.

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