DEFENCE sources in London today said RAF Cottesmore in Rutland could be axed as part of MoD spending cuts as the government tries to put more money towards the front line in Afghanistan.

DEFENCE sources in London today said RAF Cottesmore in Rutland could be axed as part of MoD spending cuts as the government tries to put more money towards the front line in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence today announced plans to buy 22 new Chinook helicopters to increase air support on the frontline in Afghanistan.

The announcement came hours before a statement to the House of Commons in which Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth is expected to unveil deep cuts in other parts of the military budget.

Mr Ainsworth said the first 10 Chinooks would be completed in 2013, and the procurement would increase the UK's fleet of the heavy-lift helicopters from 48 to 70.