AIBU to worry about Iran’s ballistic missiles reaching the UK?

76 replies

catspyjamas1 · 21/03/2026 19:53

There's a ton of news today about Iran hiding their ballistic missile capability, their range, and media pundits /talking heads ramping up fear. There is also a generation of us that lived through "Iraq has WMDs" and the associated skepticism. I am aware that the fog of war means one has to be careful, but the "news" today is concerning. I can see Iran lying about their capabilities.

Should the UK be worried? Can Iran hit the UK with a ballistic missile? Should we be preparing for this?

AIBU: dont worry about Iran's ballistic missile capability hitting the UK.
YABU: we should be concerned and prepare accordingly.

OP posts:

1dayatatime · 27/03/2026 13:50

HoppingPavlova · 27/03/2026 08:50

@catspyjamas1 Should the UK be worried? Can Iran hit the UK with a ballistic missile? Should we be preparing for this?

Do you really not think that the UK has missile defence systems? That the government has never thought of this and it’s not part of a standard defence program?

Yes I really do think that the UK has absolutely nothing in the way of ballistic missile defence other than a Type 45 frigate which will need to be in the right place at the right time and currently there is only one of those available and it's currently parked off Cyprus after an embarrassing delay.

So no - there is no anti ballistic missile system to defend the UK. If Iran fired such a missile at the UK there is literally nothing the UK could do about it.

And it's not just my opinion:

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-a-sitting-duckto-missile-attack-mp-warns/

UK a ‘sitting duck’to missile attack, MP warns

The UK lacks adequate defences against advanced missile threats and is exposed to attack as a result, according to comments made in the House of Commons during Defence questions.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-a-sitting-duckto-missile-attack-mp-warns/

Flip

1 2 3 4