UK ramps up battle preperations with have to develop ‘Iron Dome’ fashion missile system
The UK is set to advance its missile system in preparation for war as head of the armed forces claims threats from the Kremlin become more apparent
Britain is developing its missile defence system as worries grow over Russia’s military capability. The head of the armed forces have said that the nation is working on a new Iron Dome-style missile to compete with Russia’s
The UK can no longer depend on the belief that it faces little danger from aerial attacks, according to senior defence figures. Sir Richard Knighton, air chief marshal, said the armed forces are creating a new missile system as the threat from the Kremlin becomes more apparent.
Knighton warned that the UK are exposed, after decades of relative security, especially in comparison to the US and Israel. He claimed that as modern warfare has evolved, the air threat has increased and Britain are required to “invest more in our radar capability”.
He claimed that the future system would shield major cities and national infrastructure from attack. The Chief of the Defence Staff told LBC: “We call it integrated air and missile defence, and we have, over 30 years, not really faced a threat from the air in that way.
“The threat has evolved, Russia ’s capability and willingness to use ballistic and cruise missiles has become more apparent.
“It’s become clear that that peace dividend needs to be reversed, and we need to invest more in our radar capability, in our airborne air defence, and also in, ultimately, our ability to shoot down these drones and cruise missiles.”
Knighton acknowledged that the UK’s devices are not as advanced as their allies when it comes to air and missile defence. He cited Israel’s Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets, artillery projectiles and drones – though it comes at a hefty price, with each interception estimated to cost more than £2 million according to the Express.
He said the Western alliance face the same challenges, adding: “So we know right across NATO that one of the biggest gaps in NATO’s capability is integrated air and missile defence, and we are part of that as the UK.
“That’s one of the highest priorities that the Secretary General set at the Washington summit last year, and I know that that will be an issue that will come up at the NATO Ankara summit in 2026. We will be responding to that as a nation, alongside our allies. And there is a lot to do.”
The Air Chief said the the UK’s “sons and daughters” must be prepared to take action earlier this week. He warned: “Sons and daughters. Colleagues. Veterans. …will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means.”
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