Olympic Missile Defences

Rapier missiles, like those shown in the video below, are to be deployed around London during the Olympics.

Company video from Hertfordshire-based missile manufacturer MBDA.

Two of the missile systems to be deployed around London during the Olympics will be revealed today.

A huge security operation going on into next week will see high levels of military activity at Olympic sites around the UK.

The Ministry of Defence is considering six sites across London for the deployment of surface to air missle launchers during the Olympics.

The Lexington Building in Tower Hamlets and the Fred Wigg Tower in Waltham Forest have been identified as potential sites.

Also Blackheath Common and Oxleas Wood in South London, William Girling Reservoir in Enfield and Barn Hill in Epping Forest. Talks have already taken place with housing associations and residents. Organisers say it's to ensure a safe and secure Olympics.

The Army is set to station soldiers and surface-to-air missiles on top of a block of residential flats to ward off airborne terror threats during the Olympics. Residents in Bow have received a leaflet warning them a team of 10 soldiers and police will be stationed there for the whole of the Games.