Within the next 15 years, long-range ballistic missiles will pose a global threat to Britain, according to senior defense sources speaking to The Times.
Gaps in Britain’s air defenses are raising concerns within London and NATO, The Times reports, citing defense sources who highlight the country’s vulnerability to ballistic missile attacks.
A government-commissioned strategic defense review panel is reportedly deeply worried about the state of Britain’s missile defense system and is expected to prioritize increased investment, The Times reported Saturday.
The article notes that several US-led military bloc members have recently voiced frustration over the UK’s insufficient contribution to European defense shields against potential long-range strikes.
NATO is predicted to urge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to significantly boost spending on its surface-based air defense (SBAD) this year, to safeguard critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants and military bases.
This demand is included in NATO’s ‘Capability Target 2025’ document, which The Times has reviewed.
The Times interviewed unnamed defense officials and military experts who emphasized the escalating threat to Britain and its overseas military assets, given the rapid development of continent-spanning ballistic missiles by China, Russia, and Iran.
Senior military sources told The Times that the UK faces immediate danger, and that within 15 years, a ballistic missile could strike Britain from anywhere in the world.
They warned that militant groups in countries like Libya could potentially target London if they acquire long-range missiles.
Sources stated that Royal Navy warships participating in the US-led operation against the Houthis in Yemen are at risk of attack from more advanced ballistic missiles supplied to the Houthis by their allies.
They also asserted that UK overseas military bases, including those in Cyprus, face an increasing threat from non-state actors and terrorists.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if Ukraine continues attacks deep within Russia using US- and UK-supplied missiles, Moscow reserves the right to use its weapons against military facilities in the countries supplying such weapons.
Putin also stated that Moscow could retaliate asymmetrically by arming groups or countries hostile to the West, such as North Korea, with advanced weaponry.