An expert says the West has underestimated its vulnerability to Russia which boasts a strong arsenal of long-range missiles.
12:44, Fri, Feb 6, 2026 Updated: 12:53, Fri, Feb 6, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Image: Getty)
Britain has been issued a grim warning over its ability to independently defend its skies from Russian missiles. Carlo Masala, a professor of international politics at Bundeswehr University Munich, said without US support, key UK cities are under serious threat from Russian strikes.
The expert’s comments follow long-standing concerns over Britain’s air defence capabilities. Mr Masala also warned of how Russia is already significantly replenishing its stocks, including building “roughly 500 new tanks” and upgrading others. He said the West has underestimated its vulnerability to Russia which boasts a strong arsenal of long-range missiles.
Russia has a huge military and is continuing to develop more weapons (Image: Getty)
Speaking to The i Paper, Mr Masala said: “The Russians have some military advantages we don’t have in Europe.
“If the US doesn’t help us, we don’t have enough air defences, so if Russia sends their ballistic missiles and their cruise missiles to Great Britain or Germany, neither would be able to protect its major cities.”
The head of the Armed Forces in December said talks were underway about new air defences for the UK, telling LBC: "Russia's capability and willingness to use ballistic and cruise missiles has become more apparent.”
Mr Masala said Russia is continuing to work on new threats despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“They’re producing things we don’t see being sent to Ukraine,” he said.
The expert, author of If Russia Wins: A Scenario, also told The i Paper that Russia is producing hundreds of new long-range missiles, as well as major upgrades to its navy and air force.
His comments came as officials from Moscow and Kyiv met in Abu Dhabi for further US-brokered talks on ending the almost four-year war in Ukraine.
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