Olympic missile locations confirmed despite Londoners’ objections

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ground-based air defense systems will be sited at six locations in and around London during the Olympic Games, despite opposition from residents, BBC News reported.

The missiles - including rapier and high-velocity systems - will be in place from mid-July, UK MoD confirmed.

Plans also include the use of helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, which will be moored in the River Thames.

RAF Typhoon jets will be stationed at RAF Northolt, and Puma helicopters at a Territorial Army centre in Ilford.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the ground-based air defence systems were "just one part of a comprehensive, multi-layered air security plan" which would provide "both reassurance and a powerful deterrent".

They would go ahead despite objections from a "small number of activists," he said.

Some 100 sites were considered as locations for ground missiles, before this was narrowed down to the six final sites which were deemed to offer the best possible protection to the Olympic Park and surrounding area against any air threat.

The plans have sparked a campaign by residents, who say 1,000 people have signed a petition in protest.