Tories pledge new 'Britannia Shield' UK air defence system

The UK's existing Sky Sabre air defence system, seen in 2022 at the Royal Artillery's change of colours parade at Baker Barracks, Thorney Island

The Conservatives have pledged to invest in a new missile and drone defence system if voted into government at the next election.

In a speech to the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge will describe it as "the most significant upgrade to UK air defence for generations".

The Tories described their plans as "a British 'Iron Dome'", a reference to Israel's elaborate air defence system.

It added that the proposal would strengthen the UK's air defence systems at a time when Nato allies have warned they are facing repeated Russian drone incursions.

The UK's existing Sky Sabre system has previously been deployed in Poland as part of its support for Ukraine

The Conservative Party said its "Britannia Shield" would have three components - new advanced radar systems, upgraded command and control systems to integrate information from across Britain's defences and rapidly decide a response, and new interceptor missiles as well as counter-drone capabilities.

This system - which can intercept munitions and aircraft as well as integrate with wider air defences - was deployed by the UK to the Middle East earlier this year for defensive action against Iranian attacks.

"Their own defence secretary, Ben Wallace, admitted our Armed Forces had been 'hollowed out and underfunded'."

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been under pressure to set out how he will reach Nato's 3.5% of GDP spending target by 2035, up from an estimated 2.6% this year.

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