Thomas Newsome, 36, was arrested and detained on 18 April following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

He was charged on 21 April with offences contrary to section 2 and section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1989.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We can confirm the arrest of a serving member of the armed forces.

"This matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Newsome has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.