WWIII Risk Rises: General Warns Putin's 600-MPH Missiles Could Hit United Kingdom in 90 Minutes

A retired general has warned that Vladimir Putin could potentially redirect missiles currently targeting Ukraine towards the British Isles, leaving the United Kingdom with no means to intercept them.

These missiles, if launched from Russia, would take about 90 minutes to reach the UK, arriving in waves of 60 to 90 from all directions.

In an interview on The Sun's World At War show, retired General Sir Richard Barrons highlighted Britain's vulnerability, stating that the UK’s armed forces lack the advanced air and missile defense systems that Ukraine possesses. "We've not needed it," he noted.

Barrons emphasized the threat by mentioning that the types of missiles hitting Kyiv could just as easily target London.

Kyiv's air defenses are significantly superior, he explained. Even older Russian cruise missiles like the Kh-101, which can be launched from aircraft over western Russia, could reach London within 90 minutes, carrying a 500-kilogram explosive warhead with an accuracy of two meters.

"So pick your door in Downing Street," he warned.

The Kh-101 missile, with a range of 1,739 miles and a speed of 600 mph, is capable of hitting most parts of Europe, The Mirror reported. It is designed to evade infrared scanners and radar by flying at a "terrain-hugging altitude."

Another potential threat is the submarine-launched Kalibr cruise missile, which has a range of 1,553 miles. Although these missiles could be launched from Russia, it would be more strategic for the Kremlin to launch them from the Atlantic, the Baltic or the North Sea, or use aircraft to attack the UK from all directions.

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

The UK government is currently working on bolstering the country's defenses, a challenge that could cost Westminster over $5 billion.

One option is to join Europe’s Sky Shield air defense system, which would involve deploying US Patriot missiles, Israeli Arrow-3s and German IRIS-T missiles on British soil.

In the meantime, the UK relies on the Royal Navy's destroyers to intercept missiles. Sky Sabre missiles provide medium-range air defense, while RAF Typhoons are tasked with intercepting threats in UK airspace.