Media: NATO expresses concern over UK's missile defense vulnerabilities

The UK has failed to allocate the necessary funds to maintain a high level of missile defence for decades, leaving military facilities within the kingdom and British bases abroad vulnerable to potential adversaries.

Vulnerabilities in the UK's defence were identified during a readiness assessment conducted by NATO experts, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

As a result of the assessment, a draft report titled Capability Target 2025 was prepared, highlighting the need for London to increase investments in air defence systems to protect critical infrastructure, including nuclear power plants and military bases. 

A group of international experts led by former NATO Secretary General (1999-2003) George Robertson, who is working on a separate assessment of the UK's military readiness, also identified issues with Britain's missile defence capabilities. The report is expected to be made public by the UK government in spring, along with recommendations to address the situation. The UK does not have ground-based air defence systems to protect critical infrastructure from ballistic missile threats. 

The reason why the UK's air defence is so fragile is that for the past 30 years, no one thought it would be necessary. The events in Ukraine and Israel prove otherwise. People don't believe the UK is at risk, but the reality is that this is exactly the situation the country faces now. The UK's Ministry of Defence is increasingly concerned about the security of two British military bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, on Cyprus. 

The UK sources think that fighters from the Yemeni Houthi rebel movement (Ansar Allah) could acquire weapons capable of reaching these sites, making it difficult for the UK to adequately protect its personnel. The UK’s authorities are concerned that if ballistic missiles fall into the hands of armed groups operating in Libya, London itself could be at risk. In 15 years, a ballistic missile could strike the UK from anywhere in the world.

By Naila Huseynova