The UK government has confirmed it is considering air and missile defence capabilities for the homeland, including potential protection of major population centres and critical infrastructure.
Responding to a written question from Green Party peer Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, Defence Minister Lord Coaker did not provide detail on specific plans or costs, but indicated that options are under active review.
“His Majesty’s Government continually monitors and assesses the threats to the United Kingdom,” he said.
Coaker added that “a range of air and missile defence capabilities are under consideration within the Defence Investment Plan,” suggesting that decisions on any future system will form part of the forthcoming spending and capability roadmap.
The response does not confirm whether the UK will pursue a dedicated land-based ballistic missile defence system, nor does it address potential costs or how interceptor stockpiles would be sustained.
The UK currently relies primarily on a mix of maritime-based air defence, allied capabilities and early warning systems, rather than a comprehensive ground-based missile shield comparable to those deployed by some NATO partners.