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Ballistic Missile Defence

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 13 July 2026UIN 16165

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 elements of the capability within the Defence Investment Plan provides short-range air defence.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) has invested in a range of capabilities that contribute to short range air defence. DIP investments such as sustaining and enhancing UK Integrated Air and Missile Defence’s ability to Sense, provide effective Command and Control, and employ a range of layered responses. These include investments in short range drone protection, directed energy weapons and Sky Sabre to better protect our homeland and deployed forces.

Collectively, these investments 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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