THE future of RAF Benson appears to be secure tonight after the Government agreed to upgrade the base’s helicopters.

Millions of pounds will now be pumped into improving the Puma and Merlin fleets to help strengthen military efforts in Afghanistan.

The news came as the coalition Government today released the findings of its Strategic Defence and Security Review, aiming to save £4.7bn from military budgets.

It had been feared the south Oxfordshire base would feel the pinch if the Puma fleet was wound down and the Merlin crews shifted. Last month a leaked report suggested the Puma helicopter faced “deletion” under the review, but the fleet will now be “significantly improved”.

There was also no mention of relocating the Merlin helicopters to Royal Navy control in Plymouth.

Wallingford county councillor Lynda Atkins said: “This is a huge relief.”

But Bill Pattison, chairman of Benson Parish Council, was still concerned.

He said: “It will be a wonderful thing if it does not close down, and that was the fear.

“But I am still a little bit concerned as there has been no detail.

“It has been very quickly announced in general terms with no specifics.”

The MoD said last night details about specific bases were still being hammered out.

Individual jobs at military bases across Oxfordshire could still be at risk as the Government looks to cut civilian workers by 25,000 and military personnel by 17,000 by 2015.

The report revealed two RAF bases in the UK would close.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg said Britain’s battlefield helicopters would play a “vital role” in future missions.

They said: “We will extend the life of Puma helicopters to ensure that sufficient helicopters are available for our forces in Afghanistan.

“The Merlin force will be upgraded to enhance its ability to support amphibious operations.

“Taken together with the continued introduction of Wildcat helicopters for reconnaissance and command and control purposes, this programme will deliver a properly scaled and balanced helicopter force to support our troops into the future.”

The future of RAF Brize Norton, near Carterton, also looks bright after commitments were made to the existing C-17 aircraft and the 14 A330 tanker fleet craft, due for delivery next year.

The coalition statement said: “Our fast jets will be backed up by the most modern air-to-air refuelling aircraft, extending their reach and endurance.”

None of Oxfordshire’s army bases, in Didcot, Abingdon or Bicester, were mentioned in the report although national troop numbers will be cut by 7,000 to about 95,000 by 2015.

The future of the county’s military bases will come under scrutiny once more in 2015 when another Defence Spending Review will be held.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk