Britain is preparing to develop a new generation of "deep strike" missiles with the capability to reach Moscow, according to reports.
Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to announce plans on Wednesday for a collaborative effort with twelve NATO allies to develop missiles with a potential range of up to 1,500 miles. This initiative, dubbed 'Deep Precision Strike', is designed to deter Russian aggression and would bring the Kremlin within range of conventional missiles fired from the UK for the first time. The projected range is four times that of the UK's current Storm Shadow missiles, which are being supplied to Ukraine.
The announcement is expected to be made at a NATO summit in Ankara, where European nations are reportedly seeking to demonstrate their commitment to continental defense amid concerns about potential shifts in U.S. support for the alliance under President Donald Trump. Sir Keir has stated the necessity for European countries to "step up to deliver a stronger, European NATO."
However, the defense plan has faced scrutiny. Sir Richard Barrons and Lord Robertson, authors of a defense proposal previously deemed unaffordable by Downing Street, have warned that "the world is on fire now" and that Britain's military preparedness is insufficient. They indicated to MPs that allies are "dismayed" by delays in UK defense spending, suggesting the country is vulnerable to Russian attack and that readiness timelines are dictated by Russia, with potential threats emerging as early as 2030 or sooner.
The context for this development includes ongoing geopolitical tensions and a strategic re-evaluation within NATO regarding collective defense capabilities. The reported UK initiative reflects a broader European effort to bolster defense infrastructure and strategic deterrence in response to perceived threats.