Nato’s Operation Arcade Strike, currently being run from a disused part of Charing Cross London Underground station, is testing the alliance’s ability to jam Russian communications and bring down drones in the event of a potential Russian invasion of a Baltic country. The exercise aims to underscore the vulnerability of the UK and its capital to aerial bombardment, drawing comparisons to the Blitz.
The Ministry of Defence revealed that two Russian warplanes recently “dangerously” intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, coming close enough to trigger its emergency systems. This incident underscores the immediate threat posed by Russia, as Vladimir Putin pursues his declared aim of rebuilding an Eastern European empire, extending ambitions to Germany, France and the UK.
Despite the pressing need for strong conventional defences, the UK government has yet to publish its Defence Investment Plan, which was due by the last Budget. Leaks suggest the planned increase in expenditure may be inadequate, with only an additional £18 billion allocated to the core defence budget over the next few years. This would fall short of the 3 per cent of national income target by 2030 and Nato’s 3.5 per cent target for 2035.
In contrast, Poland has set more ambitious defence spending goals, nearly double Nato’s requirement, based on a realistic assessment of the cash needed to defend its borders. The Polish approach highlights the UK’s reluctance to match the necessary investment to deter Putin from attacking Britain and its allies.
