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British Armed Forces have been because they lack the weapons needed, according to defence experts.
, former defence secretary, has claimed the UK’s RAF Typhoon jet fighters do not have the weapons they would require to drive an attack.
He added that the UK’s Type-45 anti-missile destroyers would also be unable to respond effectively.
Retired Navy commander Tom Sharpe told The Telegraph this was due to “40 years of underfunding”.
Global security threats facing the UK have grown in recent years, but recruitment for the Armed Forces is struggling.
According to data, fewer than one in 10 applicants end up joining the . Figures showed 74,000 potential recruits of the 137,000 applicants gave up because the process took too long.
In March, MPs warned the UK would become increasingly reliant on allies due to a £29bn black hole in defence spending.
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, with Defence Secretary John Healey saying UK military staff “played their part”.
launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at . Most of these were intercepted but a small number hit central and southern .
US destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea were involved in taking down multiple missiles, with UK fighter jets taking to the skies to aid in defence.
In a statement issued by Downing Street afterwards, Sir , the Prime Minister, said Iran has “menaced the Middle East for far too long” and urged the nation to “stop these attacks”.
In Labour’s manifesto, the party promised to “conduct a Strategic Defence Review within our first year in government”. It also vowed to “.”
reinforced this plan ahead of a NATO meeting in July, saying: “At a time when we face multiple threats at home and abroad, we must make sure we are ready to defend ourselves.
“That’s why I have immediately ordered a root-and-branch review that will secure Britain’s defences for the future.
“Working with our most important partners around the world, our Strategic Defence Review will make sure the UK is sending a clear message to those who seek to undermine peace and democracy – you will not succeed.”
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