Ballistic Missile Defence: Unmanned Air Systems
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, page 28 on Integrated Air and Missile Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of CCAs on IAMD into the 2030s.
Answered by Luke Pollard
The Strategic Defence Review committed to strengthening the UK's homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), now realised through the Defence Investment Plan with £790 million of additional investment. This funding prioritises the sustainment of critical foundational capabilities while enhancing Command and Control (C2) and sensing functions to maximise the effectiveness of existing air defence systems and effectors.
The RAF combat air force provides the core of UK IAMD capability, with Typhoon and F-35 defending UK and NATO skies against air and cruise missile attack, supported by Voyager tankers and Wedgetail early warning aircraft. Through the 2030s, Collaborative Combat Aircrafts are expected to also play a key role in IAMD as they augment combat air platforms. IAMD investments aim to provide a more resilient and integrated defence architecture, introducing greater redundancy and strengthening decision-making through improved situational awareness. Collectively, they will ensure the UK is better able to detect, assess and respond to evolving air and missile threats while establishing the foundations for future capability growth.
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