Britain would have only a 20-minute warning if Iran managed to launch a missile capable of reaching the UK, according to a warning from Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) raised concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities, stating that the “terrorist regime” possesses missiles with the range to target London, Paris, or Berlin without consulting international allies. This spotlight on the UK’s missile defense systems revealed potential gaps in interception capabilities and short notice warning systems.

In the event of an Iranian missile threat, intelligence satellites would detect it first, triggering senior security officials to quickly convene at Pindar, a secure bunker beneath the Ministry of Defence. Iran’s Khorramshahr-4 missile, capable of speeds up to mach 10, could cover the 2,750-mile distance from Tehran to London in just 20 minutes. Recent events, like the attempted missile attack on the UK-US base in the Chagos Islands, have demonstrated Iran’s missile capabilities.

While the chances of an actual missile hitting the UK or Europe are considered low by experts, analysts emphasize the need for small, fast payloads for successful impact. Any potential missile would need to navigate through multiple air defense networks over western Europe to reach the UK. The UK relies on its Type 45 destroyers and NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence system for protection against such threats.

Government officials, including communities secretary Steve Reed, have disputed Iran’s capability to target the UK, stating that there is no specific assessment indicating such intentions. Reed emphasized that the UK possesses the necessary military capabilities to defend against any potential threats, even if Iran were to attempt targeting Europe.