Conservatives propose 10 billion pound Britannia Shield air defence system

The Conservative Party has pledged to build a 10 billion pound air defence system if returned to government at the next election, the BBC and The Guardian reported. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge will announce the plan on Tuesday during the Conservative Party conference. The proposed integrated system, named Britannia Shield, is intended to defend the UK against missile and drone attacks. [1][2]

According to the BBC, the proposal involves spending up to 10 billion pounds over ten years. The money would fund an integrated network of radar, command and control systems, as well as interceptor missiles. The Guardian reported that the proposal is inspired by Israel's Iron Dome system. [1][2]

The BBC reported that the Conservatives framed the proposal around warnings from NATO allies regarding Russian drone incursions. In his speech, James Cartlidge will describe the project as the most significant upgrade to UK air defence in generations. The Guardian noted that the party views it as one of the most significant UK military programmes since the Cold War. [1][2]

The image of Britannia is traditionally depicted as a helmeted warrior holding a shield, a symbol originating from the Roman Empire. The UK currently operates the Sky Sabre air defence system, which was deployed with the Royal Artillery at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island in 2022. [1][8]