The Conservative Party has announced plans to build Britannia Shield, a national drone and missile defence system, under a £10bn security plan. The "impenetrable" system would be constructed across the UK to protect against attacks from rogue nations such as Russia and Iran, which could use kamikaze hi-tech drones and deadly missiles.
The announcement comes as war continues to rage in Ukraine and global stability faces multiple threats. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge is set to unveil the Britannia Shield in a speech on Tuesday at the Conservative Party Conference, describing it as a future-proofed way of protecting the UK.
A Significant Military Programme
Mr Cartlidge is expected to say: "With a ten-billion-pound budget, 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. And only possible because of our willingness to take the tough decisions to fund defence."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "If a missile or drone is launched at Britain, we do not get a second chance to wish we had prepared. That is why today we are announcing Britannia Shield: a new national missile-and-drone defence system to protect the whole United Kingdom, our sovereign territories and British bases overseas."
Growing Threat of Attack
Badenoch added: "War has returned to Europe. The world will not wait for Britain to get ready." She said: "The first duty of the government is to defend the country and keep people safe. Labour are failing that basic test."
Israel already operates a layered defence system, including its famous 'Iron Dome', while the US is investing in its own 'Golden Dome'. The threat of a direct attack against Britain continues to grow, with Russia continuing to bombard Ukraine and reportedly attacking Leipzig airport in August.
Pressure to Increase Defence Spending
Western intelligence agencies have warned that Vladimir Putin may seek to attack a NATO country by 2030. Earlier this year, drones launched by Iranian proxies hit an RAF base in Cyprus. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing calls from the US to increase the country's defence spending.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Donald Trump was "absolutely right" to demand the UK increase military spending significantly. "We want to be deterring Russia, and we want to make sure that if deterrence fails, we're ready to defeat our enemies," Mr Streeting said.
