THE VALUE OF MISSILE DEFENCE
It is a straightforward enough statement to make that “the world is becoming a more dangerous place”. But one of the big lessons from so many of the world’s hotspots – from Ukraine and Russia to the Korean Peninsula and to Israel and Iran – is of the importance of missile defence.
Even the presence of nuclear weapons, which Israel possess, did not deter Iran’s missile and drone attack. This does not negate the impact of nuclear deterrence, but it raises questions about just how much warring parties will try to get away with under the so-called threshold of a nuclear response.
It is clear for some that there will be a fresh premium placed on the ability to detect and in extremis intercept incoming projectiles. Already in Asia, Taiwan and Japan have been considering afresh their offensive and defensive missile capabilities.
What further lessons can we draw from Iran’s attack on Israel?
First, there will be more attention than ever on the competitive rush to update missile defence systems. Second, partnering with the relatively small number of countries that have missile defence systems of some sophistication will also be at a premium.
No matter what happens next between Israel and Iran, the significance of this attack and how it was largely thwarted will linger on military planning for some time.
Dr Samir Puri is Associate Fellow, Chatham House, and Visiting Lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London.
