Should the UK build the proposed ‘Britannia Shield’, an Iron Dome-style national air-defence system?
The UK currently operates a multi-layered air and missile defence approach relying on Typhoon quick-reaction aircraft, Sky Sabre ground-based systems, early-warning radars and NATO integration, but lacks a dedicated nationwide ballistic-missile or comprehensive homeland drone-defence shield. The government has committed around £790m-£1bn to integrated air and missile defence. Today the Conservatives proposed building Britannia Shield, a £10bn Iron Dome-inspired system to protect the British Isles, overseas territories and critical infrastructure from drones, cruise and ballistic missiles.
5 Opinions
Only if we can prove it will work against hypersonic missiles.
We might be best placed to build out mass production for drones, and have the threat of massive counterattack to deter anyone launching drone attacks at us. 1bn would buy a lot of interceptor drones, at a few grand each. Also it would be an economic export in the short term. It doesn't stop a cruise missile, but that's what the nukes and article 5 are for.
An effective missile defence system is essential for our protection
The 10’s of billions we spend on foreign aid and refugees is acceptable but questionable spending it on our own nations defence ?
We can’t afford an Iron Dome style system covering the whole UK, but we do need to increase our air defences. The threat from drones and missiles is growing.