The United Kingdom has embarked on the development of its own version of the 'Iron Dome' missile defence system, a senior military leader has confirmed. The move is a direct response to the growing threat posed by Russian missile capabilities.
A Direct Response to an Evolving Threat
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the Chief of the Defence Staff, stated that the armed forces are actively working on this integrated air and missile defence system. He highlighted that for over three decades, the UK has not faced a significant aerial threat of this nature, but the strategic landscape has fundamentally changed.
"The threat has evolved, Russia's capability and willingness to use ballistic and cruise missiles has become more apparent," Sir Richard told LBC. He emphasised that the peace dividend enjoyed since the Cold War must now be reversed, necessitating major investment in radar, airborne defence, and intercept capabilities to shoot down drones and missiles.
Filling a Critical NATO Capability Gap
The senior officer identified this area as one of the biggest gaps in NATO's collective defence. He noted that bolstering integrated air and missile defence was a top priority set by the alliance's Secretary General at the Washington summit in 2024 and will remain a key issue at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara in 2026.
Currently, Britain lacks a unified, nationwide missile defence system akin to Israel's Iron Dome. Only the Royal Navy possesses a dedicated ballistic missile defence capability. The planned system aims to provide a comprehensive shield, protecting the UK from a spectrum of aerial threats.
The Cost of Defence and a Wider Trend
The revelation comes amid a global trend of nations seeking advanced missile shields. Former US President Donald Trump has previously unveiled proposals for a 'Golden Dome' shield estimated at £130 billion. The Israeli Iron Dome, which successfully intercepted hundreds of missiles fired from Iran at Tel Aviv in 2024, is a proven but expensive technology, with each interceptor blast costing over £2 million.
Sir Richard also linked the physical missile threat to a persistent "onslaught of cyber-attacks from Russia." His warnings were echoed by the new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, who in her first speech described the Kremlin as "aggressive, expansionist and revisionist" and warned that the "front line is everywhere."
The UK's decision to develop its own Iron Dome marks a pivotal moment in its post-Cold War defence policy, signalling a major re-investment in homeland security against state-level threats.
