Britain's armed forces are prepared to defend the country from any potential Iranian missile attack, the government confirmed on Thursday. This follows a warning from Iran's Revolutionary Guards that RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire is a 'legitimate target' after the United States used the base to launch a bombing raid.
A government spokesperson stated: 'Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.' The response includes a layered approach to air and missile defence, utilising Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets alongside NATO allies.
In March, Iran launched two ballistic missiles towards the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean; one missile failed and the other was intercepted by a US warship. An Iranian Shahed one-way attack drone also struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, with two other missiles intercepted. The Ministry of Defence has prioritised air and missile defence in its investment plan, allocating £790m to the effort.
The UK government reiterated its commitment to the existing agreement permitting US use of British bases for collective self-defence in the region. This arrangement covers US defensive operations to degrade missile sites and capabilities used in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK has withdrawn remaining diplomatic staff from Iran, and the Foreign Office advises against all travel to the country, citing a 'significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.'
US Central Command announced the 12th night of airstrikes aimed at 'further degrading Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels.' Targets included maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defence assets.
