London: Former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace warned on Monday that the United Kingdom is currently unable to defend against long-range Iranian missiles and accused government ministers of downplaying the threat amid the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wallace expressed concerns on Times Radio about officials attempting to minimize the perceived risk of Iranian missiles reaching the UK. He disputed claims made by a government minister who suggested such missile ranges were unrealistic for the UK. Wallace emphasized the significant advancements in Iranian missile technology, specifically pointing to the development of the Salman rocket motor by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Originally designed for satellite launch vehicles, this technology can also extend missile ranges.
Wallace detailed how Iran has incorporated Salman boosters from their space program into existing missiles, potentially enabling them to target Britain in the future. When asked about the UK's current capability to intercept such missiles, Wallace straightforwardly responded that the UK would not be able to do so at present.
Additionally, Wallace criticized the government's funding decisions, which have impacted the availability of Type 45 destroyers, the Royal Navy's primary anti-air and missile defense ships. He noted that while these destroyers could potentially intercept ballistic missiles, their operational readiness has been hindered by budget constraints, maintenance issues, and a reduced fleet.
Wallace underscored the importance of public awareness and preparedness, drawing parallels to Cold War-era readiness strategies. He emphasized the necessity of engaging the public in discussions about defense readiness and the evolving nature of global threats.
His warnings come amid heightened tensions as Iran retaliates against US and Israeli strikes initiated on February 28, which resulted in over 1,400 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran's response has included targeting Israel and US bases in the Middle East, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.
Wallace concluded by stressing the need for the UK to acknowledge its current defense limitations and not solely rely on allies to address capability shortfalls. He served as defense secretary from July 2019 to September 2022 under Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.