Known as the ‘Britannia Shield’, the Tory plan will provide a network of radar, command and control systems to detect incoming strikes, as well as interceptor missiles to thwart attacks
The Tories will unveil plans for a £10billion Iron Dome-style defence system to protect Britain from missile and drone attacks.
Known as the “Britannia Shield”, it will provide a network of radar, command and control systems to detect incoming strikes, as well as interceptor missiles to defend critical national infrastructure and military bases.
The move comes as the Tories seek to draw battle lines with Labour over defence. The Conservatives have promised to hike defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 – while Andy Burnham has so far refused to commit to the same timeframe.
Labour said trusting the Tories to invest in defence would “wave a huge white flag to our enemies” after the previous governments hollowed out the armed forces.
It comes amid mounting anxiety that Russia could seek to test Nato as Vladimir Putin ramps up hybrid attacks and drone incursions. Germany recently accused the Kremlin of an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in August.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The world will not wait for Britain to get ready. War has returned to Europe. Missiles and drones are transforming warfare in the Middle East.
“Cheap weapons can now threaten cities, military bases and critical infrastructure in ways that would have sounded like science fiction a generation ago.”
She added: “The threat is here. Britain must be ready. And Britannia Shield will help make sure we are.”
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said: “This would be one of Britain’s most significant military programmes since the Cold War. But one that is totally necessary because of the threats we face.”
But a Labour spokesperson hit back, saying: “Trusting the Tories to invest in Britain’s defences would wave a huge white flag to our enemies.
“Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives hollowed out our Armed Forces, leaving our Army at the smallest size since the Napoleonic era. Their dismal record in government speaks for itself and they should never be given responsibility for keeping our country safe again.”
“Andy Burnham’s Labour Government is delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, including £1 billion investment in air defences.
“Keeping Britain safe is the first priority of this government, and through our strategic investment in our defence industries and our unshakeable commitment to NATO and our Allies, we are delivering on that promise.”
Israel has an elaborate system of air defences, including its ‘Iron Dome’ missile shield which can intercept rockets from up to 70km away. Greece recently agreed a pact with Tel Aviv for technology to underpin plans for a new ‘Achilles Shield’ air defence system.
The plans would be funded through an extra £1billion a year over the next decade. The Tories previously proposed a blueprint to hike defence spending to 3%, mostly through slashing welfare, such as reinstating the two-child benefit cap.
The Tory policy, which was blamed for driving children into policy, was scrapped by Labour earlier this year.