NATO and other Western bloc allies responded over the new year to news reports of the Iranian Military's test firing of a Medium Range Surface to Air Missile. Many cities around the world demonstrated their military muscle by responding with the test firing of barrages of shorter range Surface to Air Missiles. In scenes reminiscent of the Cold War parades of military strength, crowds of public turned out to witness the trials in cities such as Sydney, Paris and London.
The demonstrations were also thought to be a response to Iran acquiring Unmanned Air Vehicle technology late last year through the downing of an American drone. The missiles are thought to be a key weapon in the defence of public buildings from UAV attack. Images shown on British State television showed barrages of the missiles protecting the Palace of Westminster and it's famed clock tower housing Big Ben.
In an interview for Jane's Defence London Mayor Boris Johnson said “The tests were a complete success, not only have we demonstrated that we can counter the threat from Iranian pilot-less aircraft but we have also shown how many more colours our missiles can explode in rather than a dirty brown smudge that the Iranians produce”.
