Defence IssuesMISSILE DEFENCE: A Public Discussion Paper
Conclusion
89. There are an increasing number of potential threats to the security of the UK and her Allies in the world today. To choose only to tackle some of these and hope others never materialise would be a dangerous approach. The precise extent of the threat to the territory and forces of NATO member states from ballistic missiles carrying weapons of mass destruction is certainly difficult to quantify in time and scale. However, potential threats are growing and cannot be ignored. If we are to meet these prospective threats as far as we can, we need to plan ahead and prepare properly. There are complex issues to be considered before the UK and others can determine the best overall strategy for addressing this threat, and the role that missile defence could play as an element of this strategy: issues of technology, timescale, international relations and cost, all of which are closely linked. But now is the time to consider these issues. It is hoped that this discussion paper will help that debate.
Last Updated: 15 Oct 03