Military experts have warned that the UK lacks adequate means to defend against a ballistic missile attack from Iran, though they expressed doubts over Tehran's capability and willingness to strike. The warning follows Israel's claim that Iranian missiles could threaten European cities, including London, after a failed attack on the British base of Diego Garcia.
Professor Michael Clarke, former director general of the Royal United Services Institute, told The Independent: 'Could Britain defend itself against ballistic missiles coming from anywhere, whether it's Russia or Iran? The answer is absolutely no. We have nothing.' He noted that the UK's only defence, the Sea Viper system on Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, is limited, with only one of six ships currently operational.
However, Britain benefits from Nato's Ballistic Missile Defence system, which includes sites in Poland and Romania and four US Navy destroyers. Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at Rusi, told The Times: 'If launched towards the UK, this is what Nato’s BMD is designed for. The UK isn’t actually defenceless against a threat launched from Iran.'
Retired Brigadier Ben Barry, formerly a Nato commander, described the UK's defences as 'not adequate' against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. He said that with only three ships available, protection would be minimal, forcing 'hard choices' about where to deploy them. He added that preemptive strikes on Iranian launchers would risk drawing the UK into a wider war alongside the US and Israel.
Senior minister Steve Reed insisted Britain was safe, calling Israel's threat exaggerated. An MoD spokesperson stated the UK has resources to 'keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks'. Professor Clarke doubted Iran's missiles could reach the UK, suggesting the Diego Garcia attempt 'may have been just a political gesture'.
