A map showing all 34 Royal Air Force stations across the UK has been published amid rising concerns over the possibility of a World War Three conflict with Russia. The locations include major hubs such as RAF Brize Norton near Carterton in Oxfordshire and RAF Northolt in Ruislip, west London.
Military sites seen as likely targets
While war with Russia still appears, at least for now, not an imminent possibility, many remain concerned. In the event of a conflict breaking out, it is likely military sites would be targeted by Moscow or other adversaries.
The Clyde naval base, home of the Navy's Submarine Service, is often cited by experts as a likely target, along with the Army's biggest base at Aldershot Garrison in Hampshire. Royal Air Force stations could also be threatened, with dozens of bases spread across the country.
Rising tensions with Russia
Tensions between Russia and the West have continued to rise. Vladimir Putin last week warned Moscow is “ready for war” with Britain and its allies, while insisting the Kremlin does not want a conflict which he said would have “no winners”. The threat was the latest in a string of warnings to the West as Moscow looks to undermine support for Ukraine.
Western officials have claimed Mr Putin does not want a direct military confrontation with NATO, despite repeated warnings Moscow could look to attack the alliance by 2030. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting's comments last week telling the country it must be ready for war in 1,000 days have added to fears of a brewing conflict.
Missile threats and defence plans
In September, Mr Putin said it is a “military secret” whether Russia could strike British military facilities after a reporter asked if defence industrial sites on UK soil could be targeted. The threat came amid Kremlin fury over Andy Burnham's decision to give Ukraine blueprints for Storm Shadow missiles.
Labour is under growing pressure to accelerate defence spending after using last week's Budget to confirm plans for military funding to hit 3% of GDP in 2030. Political opponents criticised the plan for lacking detail, with how the uplift will be funded not due to be unveiled until next year's spending review. Air defence is one particular area of concern among commentators, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch last month confirming plans for a “Britannia Shield” to protect the country against long-range missiles and drones if the party won the next general election.
