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 – ‘WE WOULD SHOOT DOWN RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT!’
Nigel Farage’s new defence chief has delivered a remarkably blunt warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that Reform UK would support shooting down Russian military aircraft if they entered NATO airspace.
The extraordinary statement came from Angus MacIntyre, a former Royal Air Force Wing Commander with 40 years of military experience, who has recently joined Reform UK as its Armed Forces spokesperson.
His comments have immediately attracted attention, particularly because of the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing concerns about Russian military activity near NATO territory.
For Farage, the appointment represents an important opportunity to demonstrate that Reform UK intends to take Britain’s national security seriously.
But MacIntyre’s warning also raises a much bigger question: how far should Britain and its NATO allies be prepared to go when confronting Russian military aircraft?
Six Words That Sent a Strong Message to Moscow
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MacIntyre did not attempt to hide his position when discussing the possibility of Russian aircraft entering NATO airspace.
He said:
“We would shoot down Russian aircraft that were inside NATO airspace.”
The statement was made while discussing how Reform would respond to potential violations of NATO airspace.
He indicated that Britain should act alongside its NATO allies rather than responding independently.
The warning represents a particularly firm position towards Moscow and demonstrates that Reform’s new defence spokesman wants the party to establish a clear approach to national security.
However, any decision to use military force would depend on the circumstances, the nature of the incursion and decisions made through NATO’s collective defence arrangements.
An interception does not automatically mean an aircraft will be shot down.
Who Is Angus MacIntyre?
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MacIntyre is no ordinary political appointment.
His military career began in 1986, when he joined the British Army.
He subsequently served as an officer in the 1st Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, with attachments to the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment.
In 1999, he transferred to the RAF Regiment.
His operational experience includes deployments in:
- Afghanistan.
- Kuwait.
- Sierra Leone.
- Liberia.
- Iraq.
- Somalia.
He also spent a year embedded with the Pentagon in Washington and worked with international military organisations.
His extensive background is one of the reasons Farage believes he can strengthen Reform’s credibility on defence.
His Experience Supporting Ukraine
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One of the most important aspects of MacIntyre’s career involved Britain’s military support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
He worked at NATO headquarters in Brussels and helped coordinate British assistance to Kyiv.
His responsibilities included working with Ukrainian defence and interior ministries and making regular visits to the country.
He also received a commendation from the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in recognition of his contribution.
MacIntyre has described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as protecting Europe.
He believes Britain should continue supporting Ukraine and work more closely with NATO allies.
His position is that the conflict has important consequences for European security and that Britain cannot afford to ignore them.
Britain Is Running Out of Equipment to Give Ukraine
The new Reform defence spokesman also delivered a warning about the condition of Britain’s military resources.
He argued that years of insufficient investment had left the country with increasingly limited equipment available for further military assistance.
MacIntyre said:
“We have reached a point where we’re running out of things that we can give them.”
He argued that Britain must consider other ways of supporting Ukraine, including stronger leadership, additional assistance and closer cooperation between NATO members.
The comments raise difficult questions about Britain’s ability to maintain its own military readiness while supporting an important international ally.
Farage Wants to Transform Reform’s Defence Image
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MacIntyre’s appointment is particularly important because Reform has previously faced criticism over its defence policies.
Farage has also faced questions about past comments concerning Vladimir Putin and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The appointment of a senior military figure with direct experience of supporting Ukraine could help the party address some of those concerns.
Farage praised his new recruit and argued that his experience demonstrated how seriously Reform takes the protection of Britain’s armed forces.
He also criticised successive Labour and Conservative governments for allowing military capabilities to decline.
For Reform, the challenge now is turning its stronger defence profile into a detailed and credible programme.
Labour Fires Back at Nigel Farage
The announcement has not gone unanswered.
Labour defence minister Luke Pollard criticised Reform, arguing that the party had treated national security as an afterthought.
He questioned why it had taken so long for Reform to appoint a dedicated defence spokesperson.
Labour has also challenged Farage over his previous comments about Russia.
The exchange demonstrates that defence is becoming another major political battleground between Labour and Reform.
With international tensions continuing, both parties will face pressure to explain how they intend to protect Britain.
Could Shooting Down Russian Aircraft Lead to a Wider Conflict?
MacIntyre’s warning raises an extremely serious issue.
NATO countries regularly monitor and intercept unidentified or potentially threatening aircraft approaching allied airspace.
These operations are intended to identify aircraft, communicate with their pilots and protect the security of member states.
However, shooting down a Russian military aircraft would represent a much more serious escalation.
The circumstances would matter enormously.
An accidental incursion, an aircraft refusing instructions and an aircraft carrying out an attack would not necessarily produce the same response.
Any use of force would carry potentially significant diplomatic and military consequences.
This is why NATO coordination and clear rules of engagement are essential.
What Does This Mean for Britain’s Future Defence Policy?
MacIntyre wants Reform to place greater emphasis on rebuilding Britain’s military capabilities.
The party has proposed increasing defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035.
It has also highlighted military recruitment, equipment shortages, veterans’ welfare and housing for serving personnel.
These proposals will need to be examined carefully, particularly regarding their financial implications.
Britain needs a defence policy that protects its citizens, supports its allies and maintains credible military capabilities.
Political statements alone will not achieve that.
Putin Has Been Given a Clear Warning
The appointment of Angus MacIntyre marks a significant moment for Reform UK.
His military background, experience supporting Ukraine and uncompromising comments about NATO airspace give Farage a much stronger voice on defence matters.
But the biggest test will come when Reform is required to explain exactly how it would respond to an international crisis.
The consequences of confronting Russia cannot be taken lightly.
Britain must remain prepared to defend NATO territory while avoiding unnecessary escalation that could threaten wider European security.
THE BIG QUESTIONS:
- Is Angus MacIntyre the right person to lead Reform UK’s defence policy?
- Should NATO shoot down Russian military aircraft that violate allied airspace?
- Is Britain sufficiently prepared to defend itself against Russian threats?
- Has years of underinvestment weakened Britain’s military capabilities?
- Should Britain continue providing military assistance to Ukraine?
One thing is certain: Nigel Farage’s new defence chief has made his position unmistakably clear. The question now is whether Reform UK can turn those strong words into a realistic defence strategy.