A direct act of war is closer than ever. ‘Performative’ Iron Domes won’t protect us
A defense expert argues that the UK is critically under-prepared for modern hybrid threats, including drone and missile attacks from Russia and Iran. The piece critiques current defense strategies as insufficient and calls for more robust investment in national air defense systems.
Why it matters
The article highlights national security vulnerabilities and the political debate surrounding defense spending in the UK.
The Longer Read A direct act of war is closer than ever. ‘Performative’ Iron Domes won’t protect us As the prime minister travels to Germany to establish a deeper cooperation on tackling cyber attacks, sabotage and other hybrid threats, particularly from Russia, defence expert Francis Tusa explains what is really going on behind the scenes
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I s there a threat which requires a massive investment in air defence ? Well, there were a raft of unexplained drone incursions in Poland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden in 2025. Anything “explosive”? No, but a lot of military air bases were targeted in what looked like reconnaissance.
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