Britain could be hit by ballistic missiles launched from anywhere in the world in the next 15 years, experts have warned.

Advances in technology have seen ballistic missiles deployed in the Ukrainian wars and conflict in the Middle East, exposing the UK’s own shortcomings in terms of missile defence.

A Sunday Times investigation revealed concerns among politicians, military personnel and experts that the UK’s air defence technology is aging, limited, and at risk of becoming insufficient as missiles become more advanced.

Some missiles can already travel thousands of miles to a target and it is expected that by 2040 the technology will be sophisticated enough for a missile to be sent anywhere in the world.