Britain could struggle to defend itself against a ballistic missile attack from Iran, military experts have cautioned, despite firm assurances from the Government that the country remains secure.
The warning follows claims from Israel that Iranian missiles are capable of reaching major European cities, including London, after a failed strike targeting the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Experts say the UK’s current missile defence capabilities are limited. While the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers are equipped with Sea Viper systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, only a small number are operational. HMS Dragon has been deployed to Cyprus, while others remain in port and are not currently active.
Professor Michael Clarke, former director general of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), delivered a stark assessment, stating Britain effectively has no independent capability to defend against long-range ballistic missile attacks.
However, the UK is not without protection.
As a Nato member, Britain is covered by the alliance’s Ballistic Missile Defence system, which includes interceptor sites in Poland and Romania, alongside US Navy destroyers with more advanced capabilities. Analysts say this network is specifically designed to neutralise threats such as those posed by Iran.
Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at RUSI, noted that Nato’s system exists precisely for scenarios involving missile launches towards countries like the UK.
Government officials have sought to reassure the public. Housing minister Steve Reed dismissed Israel’s warning as exaggerated, suggesting it was intended to build support for ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Ministry of Defence reinforced that message, stating the UK has the resources to defend itself against threats “at all times”.
Despite this, some experts remain cautious.
Retired Brigadier Ben Barry described the UK’s ability to counter ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones as “not adequate” to fully protect the homeland or forces stationed overseas. With only a handful of naval assets available, decisions over which regions to defend would be difficult in the event of an attack.
The debate also raises questions over Iran’s actual capabilities. Professor Clarke expressed doubt that Iranian missiles currently have the range to strike the UK directly, suggesting recent actions may have been more symbolic than operational.
If tensions were to escalate, Britain could attempt to target missile launch sites. However, such a move would likely draw the UK deeper into conflict alongside the United States and Israel—something the Government has so far avoided.
The Ministry of Defence maintains that the UK operates a “layered” defence system, combining naval, air, and ground-based assets in coordination with Nato allies. Recent commitments include up to £1 billion in funding to strengthen air and missile defence, as well as the rollout of advanced Sky Sabre systems capable of intercepting high-speed threats.
While officials insist Britain remains safe, the assessments highlight a more complex reality, one in which national security relies not only on domestic capabilities, but also on the strength of international alliances.
