UK’s elite troops, such as the SAS, are potentially too few to combat threats from Russia, China, and terrorism due to personnel shortages caused by government cuts. 

Defense experts have raised concerns that the number of elite troops in the UK military may be too low to counter threats from Russia, China, and terrorism. Regiments like the SAS may be unable to participate in future covert operations due to a shortage of personnel, with government cuts blamed for the situation. The SAS, SBS, and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment, which make up the UK Special Forces Group, are believed to be only 65-70% staffed. While an £11 billion increase in funding for the defense was announced in last week’s Budget, it falls short of the government’s target to spend 3% of GDP on the sector by 2030. Recruitment and training for Special Forces are already challenging and made worse by the intense operational tempo, which affects retention. 

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11876801/Troop-numbers-SAS-low-leave-unable-mount-secret-missions.html