This Is Why Why the UK needs to be wary of Iranian retaliation
Mar 23, 2026
Michael Clarke, defence analyst and security academic, explains Iran's missile capabilities and limits. He assesses whether Tehran can realistically reach the UK. He outlines Britain’s air-defence gaps, vulnerable overseas bases, proxy threats like the Houthis and Hezbollah, and rising cyber and terrorism risks. The conversation urges clearer national defence planning.
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Britain Lacks A National Ballistic Missile Shield
- The UK has almost no national ballistic missile defense capability.
- Clarke argues incoming missiles would likely pass over allied airspace where other countries might intercept them, leaving the UK itself poorly defended.
Deploy More Sea Based Air Defence Quickly
- Increase deployable sea-based air defence and platform numbers to protect the homeland.
- Clarke suggests dozens of Type 45 destroyers would be needed around UK coasts and more Typhoons with Meteor missiles to have a chance.
No National Air Defence Since 1991
- The UK hasn't fielded a dedicated national air-defence system since the Bloodhound retired in 1991.
- Clarke highlights that current defenses are piecemeal (ship-based, tactical Army systems) and not national coverage.