Angus was unvieled today (Image: Getty)
Russian warplanes straying into Nato airspace would be shot down, Reform UK’s new defence spokesman has said, as Nigel Farage unveiled his new wingman. Battle-hardened veteran Angus MacIntyre, who spent years at the heart of Britain’s efforts to help Ukraine, said the party would back such action as part of a Nato coalition.
The new defence spokesman said: “We would shoot down Russian aircraft that were inside NATO airspace.” He also urged Britain to “do more” for Kyiv, warning that years of poorly funded defence meant the country was running out of kit to send. His appointment is a major coup for Reform, as Mr Farage seeks to stuff his top team with experts from outside Westminster. Speaking at a rally in central London, Mr MacIntyre was challenged over Mr Farage’s past remarks on Russia.
Mr MacIntyre told reporters: “We have reached a point where we’re running out of things that we can give them. So the question is, well what else? That comes in this form of leadership, additional support, reinvigoration of NATO and working through coalitions of other nations”.
He said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was “protecting Europe”, adding “that’s something we should take seriously and we should join as much as we can and continue to support them and leadership the way forward.”
Mr MacIntyre began his military career in 1986, spending 13 years as an officer in the 1st Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, with tours alongside the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment.
In 1999 he joined the RAF Regiment, serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Iraq and Somalia, and later spent a year embedded inside the Pentagon.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, he helped coordinate Britain’s support and made regular trips to Kyiv. He was awarded a commendation from the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for his work there.
Zelensky was “protecting Europe” say Reform (Image: Getty)
Mr MacIntyre accused both main parties of leaving “our armed forces under severe pressure”.
He said: “The cuts during the Brown and Blair years took chunks from the ranks of all three services.
“The Conservatives promised to fix it, but over their 14 years in government, they oversaw a further decline in our military power.”
Mr Farage said: “Angus has more experience than the entire government defence team combined.”
Speaking at the time of his announcement, Labour took aim at the length of time it had taken to make the appointment.
Luke Pollard MP said: “Reform has treated defence as an afterthought – but in this volatile world, there are no second chances. Nigel Farage simply can’t be trusted to keep Britain safe.”
Nigel Farage’s Tough New Defence Chief Issues Shocking Six-Word Warning to Vladimir Putin
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has sent a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the appointment of its new defence spokesperson, former senior Royal Air Force officer Angus MacIntyre. In a major political announcement, MacIntyre delivered a six-word warning that has attracted considerable attention: “We would shoot down Russian aircraft.”
The statement reflects a tougher position towards Moscow and highlights Reform UK’s determination to establish itself as a serious political force on national defence and international security.
The announcement comes amid continuing tensions between Russia and NATO, particularly following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian military aircraft entering NATO airspace have become a significant security concern, with European governments increasingly emphasising the importance of protecting their borders and maintaining military readiness.
For Farage, appointing an experienced military figure is also an opportunity to address criticism that Reform UK has not developed a sufficiently detailed defence policy.
Angus MacIntyre Delivers a Strong Warning to Putin
Angus MacIntyre, Reform UK’s newly appointed armed forces spokesperson, has delivered an uncompromising message concerning Russian military aircraft entering NATO airspace.
Speaking during his introduction to the party, he stated:
“We would shoot down Russian aircraft that were inside NATO airspace.”
His warning indicates that Reform UK would support a direct military response if Russian aircraft violated NATO airspace, provided such action formed part of a coordinated alliance response.
MacIntyre also emphasised that Britain should increase its support for Ukraine, arguing that the country is playing an essential role in protecting European security.
He warned that Britain was approaching a situation in which it was running out of military equipment that could be supplied to Kyiv.
He therefore called for additional support, stronger NATO cooperation and renewed leadership from Western countries.
His comments represent a significant intervention in the debate over Britain’s response to Russian aggression.
Who Is Angus MacIntyre?
A military career spanning four decades
MacIntyre brings approximately 40 years of military experience to Reform UK.
He began his military career in 1986, initially serving in the British Army before transferring to the Royal Air Force Regiment in 1999.
Throughout his career, he participated in operations and deployments in several countries, including:
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Afghanistan.
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Kuwait.
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Sierra Leone.
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Liberia.
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Iraq.
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Somalia.
He also served alongside NATO partners and spent time working at the Pentagon in the United States.
One of his most important recent responsibilities involved supporting Britain’s assistance to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
His experience included coordinating support and working with international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
After four decades of military service, MacIntyre decided to leave his position as a commissioned Wing Commander to join Reform UK.
He explained that he wanted to continue serving Britain by bringing his military experience into politics.
Farage Wants to Transform Reform UK’s Defence Policy
Nigel Farage has described MacIntyre’s appointment as an important step towards strengthening the party’s political leadership.
Farage argued that Britain needs experienced professionals who understand the practical challenges facing the armed forces rather than relying exclusively on career politicians.
He also claimed that MacIntyre had more experience than the entire government defence team combined.
The appointment is particularly significant because Reform UK has faced criticism over its previous lack of a dedicated defence spokesperson.
Labour’s defence minister Luke Pollard criticised the party, arguing that defence had been treated as an afterthought.
He also questioned whether Farage could be trusted to protect Britain’s national security.
MacIntyre’s appointment is therefore intended to demonstrate that Reform UK wants to develop a more credible approach to defence and military policy.
Ukraine Remains at the Centre of the Debate
MacIntyre’s warning to Putin is closely connected to his position on the war in Ukraine.
He believes that Ukraine is defending not only its own territory but also the wider security interests of Europe.
He has urged Britain to continue supporting Kyiv and argued that Western countries must demonstrate stronger leadership.
The war has exposed weaknesses in European defence capabilities, including shortages of ammunition, military equipment and industrial production capacity.
Britain has provided substantial military assistance to Ukraine, but MacIntyre believes that the country must consider additional ways of supporting its ally.
His comments also highlight the importance of NATO. The alliance provides a collective defence framework in which an attack against one member can trigger a response from all members under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
However, responding to an airspace violation would require careful assessment of the circumstances, including the aircraft’s intentions, the nature of the incursion and the risk of escalation.
A direct military response against Russian aircraft could have serious consequences for international security.
Britain’s Military Strength Under Scrutiny
MacIntyre has also criticised successive British governments for allowing the country’s military capabilities to decline.
He argues that reductions in military personnel, equipment and investment have left the armed forces under considerable pressure.
His criticism extends to both Labour and the Conservatives.
He believes that Britain needs to rebuild its military capabilities, improve procurement procedures and ensure that service personnel receive the equipment required to perform their duties.
Reform UK has also proposed increasing defence spending to strengthen Britain’s position within NATO.
Another major policy involves expanding the Forces Help to Buy scheme, allowing eligible military personnel to access larger interest-free loans when purchasing homes.
The party believes that improving housing support and financial conditions could make military careers more attractive and help retain experienced personnel.
Could This Change Farage’s Reputation on Russia?
The appointment is particularly interesting because Farage himself has previously faced criticism over his comments about Vladimir Putin.
In 2014, he described Putin as an impressive political operator, although he clarified that he did not admire him as a person.
In 2022, Farage also said that he understood some of the reasons Putin had given for annexing Crimea, while insisting that he was not justifying Russia’s actions.
More recently, Farage has stated that Putin has become irrational and represents a serious danger to the world. He has also expressed support for Ukraine.
MacIntyre’s uncompromising position could therefore help Reform UK demonstrate a clearer approach towards Russian aggression and reassure voters concerned about the party’s foreign policy.
Nevertheless, questions remain about how Farage’s personal views will translate into a consistent defence strategy.
Conclusion
Angus MacIntyre’s appointment as Reform UK’s new defence spokesperson marks an important moment for Nigel Farage’s political ambitions.
His six-word warning to Vladimir Putin sends a clear message that Reform UK wants a tougher approach towards Russian military activity in NATO airspace.
With four decades of military experience, MacIntyre brings considerable professional knowledge to the party. His commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening NATO and rebuilding Britain’s armed forces could help Reform UK establish a stronger position on national security.
However, his proposals also raise difficult questions about defence expenditure, military readiness and the potential consequences of a direct confrontation with Russia.
Ultimately, Britain’s security depends on credible military capabilities, strong international alliances and responsible political leadership. The government and opposition parties must demonstrate that they can protect the country while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
The message from Farage’s new defence chief is certainly uncompromising: Britain and its NATO allies must be prepared to defend their airspace and stand firmly against Russian aggression.