UK boosts missile stockpiles to counter potential Iran threat

Moscow (ANTARA) – The UK is boosting its short-range air defence Martlet missile stockpiles in preparation for potential conflict with Iran, The Times reported on Sunday (31 May). The laser-guided Martlet missile, with a speed of up to Mach 1.5 and a range of over 6 kilometres, is being developed by French company Thales Air Defence for the UK. As a multi-role guided missile, the Martlet is designed for use on helicopters, ships, land-based platforms, and as part of a portable air defence system operable by personnel. The missile weighs 13 kilograms, measures 1.3 metres in length, and has a diameter of 76 millimetres. According to the newspaper, the UK is replenishing hundreds of high-tech missiles capable of shooting down drones amid growing risks that Iran or its supported groups may attack allied bases in the Middle East. The report also stated that UK special forces stationed in the Middle East will begin receiving the missiles in the coming months. In April, iPaper reported, citing sources, that UK officials are concerned about a potential Iranian attack on the UK-US joint base and British embassy in the Middle East used for military coordination with the US, should regional tensions escalate. Meanwhile, in March, the UK military base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was reportedly targeted by drone attacks. The UK Ministry of Defence stated the drones likely originated from Lebanon or Iraq.