DEADLY weapons including machine guns have been stolen or lost from UK military bases.
Almost 100,000 bullets and 50 guns have gone missing since 2015, according to statistics uncovered by The Sun on Sunday.
The kit includes four machine guns, two AK47 rifles and five Glock pistols, as well as a historic Sten gun and Luger pistol.
Since 2019, 12 cadet weapons have been stolen — including four target rifles and four SA80s, the same weapon that is given to all British troops as standard.
Night vision goggles, parachute canopies and arctic clothing have also been swiped.
The data came from parliamentary questions and a Freedom of Information request. The lost gear is estimated to be worth around £1.6million.
Former British Army Colonel Richard Kemp said: “In Britain, we pride ourselves on having very tough gun controls.
“Obviously it is concerning that some of these weapons could have gotten into the hands of terrorists or criminals and could even be used in killings.
“But the Armed Forces handle vast amounts of weapons and this is a relatively small number.”
He added: “Ideally, no weapons would go missing, but no system is 100 per cent foolproof. Security can never be perfect.”
The Ministry of Defence said: “We take the security of defence assets very seriously and have robust procedures in place to prevent losses.
“All losses and thefts are investigated by the relevant police force and we take the necessary steps to investigate and prosecute suspected criminal activity.”
