Five sites have been earmarked for the controversial siting of surface—to—air missiles on rooftops to guard against a possible attack on the London Olympics this summer, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Monday.
Although no final decision on the deployment of anti—missile systems during the Games had been made, possible sites in east London, and in the south—east of the capital, had been identified.
The sites would become part of “Olympic Guardian”, a major exercise in which security preparations will be tested later this week.
Reports over the weekend that residents of a housing block near the Olypmic site in east London had been informed of the possibility of missiles being placed on their roofs sparked a major debate over security.
The high—velocity missiles (HVM) ground—based air defence system is able to detect “aircraft that are coming head on,” Lieutenant—Colonel Brian Fahy, an army military officer, told the Daily Telegraph Monday.
“It will be the last opportunity to stop anything getting to the Olympic Park itself,” he added.
“Support for the Olympic Games will be an important task for defence in 2012 and this exercise is about pushing our people and our systems to the limit to ensure that we are ready for he challenge,” said Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.
The majority of the exercise would be played out in “full view of the public” and would hopefully have the effect of “reassuring the British people that everything possible is being done to ensure this will be a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
Both military and civilian personnel were working on the exercise, which will take place on land, sea and in the air in London and in Weymouth, in the south—west of England, where the sailing competition will be held.
Any decision to deploy the missiles against a possible airborne terrorist attack during the Games would be taken at the “very highest level,” said General Nick Carter, who would be in charge of the exercise.
Talks had taken place with housing associations, members of the public will have the chance to meet the teams, and leaflets will be sent to try to keep the public informed, the MoD said.
The Olympic Games take place in London from July 27 to August 12.
They will be followed by the Paralympic Games from August 29 to September 9.
