The Conservatives are set to announce plans for a £10bn British air and missile defence system, dubbed 'Britannia Shield', modelled on Israel's Iron Dome, at the party's conference on Tuesday.
Key facts
- The Conservatives plan to build a £10bn British 'Iron Dome' called 'Britannia Shield'.
- The proposal is modelled on Israel's air and missile defence system.
- Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge is due to make the announcement at conference on Tuesday.
- The plan would involve investment in advanced radar and interceptor missiles.
- The party describes it as one of the UK's most significant military programmes since the cold war.
The Conservative party is set to announce plans to build a £10bn British air and missile defence system inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, according to the Guardian. The proposed system would be christened ‘Britannia Shield’ in an announcement at the party’s conference on Tuesday.
The shadow defence secretary, James Cartlidge, is expected to say that Britain needs to be ready to defend itself from potential aerial attacks. He will argue that new investment is needed in advanced radar and interceptor missiles to deliver the system.
The party has described the proposal as one of the UK’s ‘most significant military programmes since the cold war’, the Guardian reported, signalling the scale of ambition behind the plan.
Israel’s Iron Dome, which the proposal is said to be modelled on, is an air and missile defence system designed to intercept incoming threats. The Conservative plan would seek to establish a comparable capability for the United Kingdom.
The announcement is scheduled to be made at the Conservative conference on Tuesday, where Cartlidge will set out the case for the investment in Britain’s defences.
Why it matters
Air and missile defence has become a growing focus for governments amid heightened global security concerns. A £10bn programme of this scale would represent a major commitment of public funds and a significant shift in UK defence policy if implemented.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'Britannia Shield'?
According to the Guardian, 'Britannia Shield' is the name the Conservatives would give to a proposed £10bn British air and missile defence system inspired by Israel's Iron Dome.
How much would the system cost?
The Conservatives have proposed a budget of £10bn for the system.
Who is announcing the plan and when?
The shadow defence secretary, James Cartlidge, is due to make the announcement at the Conservative conference on Tuesday.