UK to mobilise veterans, reservists in “Dad’s Army”-inspired defence strategy Over Russian tensions

The UK Ministry of Defence is considering calling on veterans and volunteer reservists to bolster national security under a scheme likened to the Second World War Home Guard, popularly known as “Dad’s Army.”

Officials say the plans are part of wider “resilience” measures amid concerns about potential threats from Russia, with Lossiemouth in Scotland, home to aircraft that track Russian submarines, identified as a possible target, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

The aircraft plays a key role in NATO’s surveillance capabilities, monitoring any Kremlin activity in surrounding waters.

The initiative, outlined in this year’s Strategic Defence Review, aims to create a more flexible and skilled defence force that can be activated in times of crisis.

It would draw on former service personnel who remain legally obliged to train and can be recalled if necessary, alongside those who volunteer to join the Strategic Reserve.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The Strategic Defence Review recognised that geopolitical instability and heightened threats require the UK to access a larger, more skilled and flexible defence workforce when needed. We are keen to draw on the deep pool of prior military skills and experience of former personnel, many of whom are willing to support the defence of the UK in a time of need.”

The size of the proposed force has not been confirmed, and it is unclear how many of the more than 36,000 veterans in Scotland could be recalled.

By Aghakazim Guliyev