UK Air Defence 2025-01-16

Opened the debate

Among the many issues that should be keeping Ministers awake at night are two tech-based conundrums: access to critical minerals and protection against missiles and drones. Defence costs are increasing, and the UK is not globally deployable or focusing on homeland defence. The US may demand higher NATO spending from European nations. Russia poses a proximate threat with its military capabilities, and the UK's current missile defence systems are inadequate. Germany has initiated the European Sky Shield initiative to address these threats. The UK should consider joining initiatives like ESSI for better protection. Historical examples of shadow factories highlight the importance of preparing for war through industrial capacity. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s Missile Defence Centre is crucial but needs assessment and potential upgrading. NATO integrated air and missile defence with close-in systems is vital, especially as the US pivots towards the Indo-Pacific.

Government Response

The Minister thanked Dr Murrison for his serious approach to the debate and acknowledged the difficulty in times of increased threats. He stated that Lord Robertson is conducting a strategic defence review to address these challenges. The Minister highlighted the importance of integrated air missile defence, drones, and command of the electromagnetic spectrum, acknowledging the need for difficult decisions such as retiring old platforms like Watchkeeper due to technological obsolescence. He also mentioned his recent participation in an E5 Defence Ministers meeting in Warsaw, noting that NATO allies are taking air and missile defence seriously. The UK is increasing its defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5%, focusing on interoperability with allies to deter aggression. Luke Pollard emphasised the need for a reimagined strategy due to changes in threat definitions since the Ukraine war, addressing questions about NATO's eastern and southern flanks. He reiterated that adversaries must know the UK possesses formidable capabilities contributing to integrated air and missile defence. The Minister acknowledges the right hon. Member's concerns and highlights that enhancing capabilities is a core challenge of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The SDR will address how to match threats with appropriate defence measures, aiming to reach the 2.5% GDP target for defence spending in spring. Our NATO-first approach ensures protection under Article 3 and support under Article 5. Initiatives such as DIAMOND aim to improve air defence integration across Europe, while agreements like the Trinity House agreement between UK and Germany will strengthen air defences and better protect European airspace. The Minister also mentions closer cooperation with France through initiatives such as ELSA, aimed at supporting Ukraine and countering threats posed by Putin. A letter will be sent to address any points not covered during the debate.