Understand
Conservatives pledge £10bn 'Britannia Shield' UK air defence system
Overview
The Conservative Party has pledged to spend up to £10bn over a decade on a new missile and drone defence system called 'Britannia Shield' if voted into government. Described as a British 'Iron Dome', the proposed system aims to protect critical national infrastructure and military bases using advanced radar, command and control systems, and interceptor missiles. The Labour government criticised the proposal, citing the Conservatives' previous record on defence funding.
Key points
- The Conservatives announced a pledge of up to £10bn over a decade for a new air defence system named 'Britannia Shield'.
- Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge will present the plan at the Conservative Party conference, calling it a significant upgrade to UK air defence.
- The system will consist of three components: advanced radar, upgraded command and control systems, and new interceptor missiles with counter-drone capabilities.
- The proposals are intended to be funded within the party's existing commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, supported by welfare reform and spending reprioritisation.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the announcement, highlighting past cuts to the armed forces during the Conservatives' time in power.