SURFACE-to-air missiles could be used to protect the skies over London during the Olympics, it was revealed Tuesday.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond insisted “all necessary measures” will be taken to ensure security next summer. Mr Hammond told MPs “appropriate ground to air defences” could be put in place if that was recommended by military chiefs.

His comments came amid reports the US is to send 1,000 agents — including 500 from the FBI — to look after its athletes and diplomats because of its fears over lax UK security.

US officials are said to be particularly concerned about restrictions to anti-terrorism stop-and-search powers. There are also worries about Britain’s security measures after last week’s border controls scandal.

But Met chief Chris Allison — in charge of policing the Games — yesterday denied there were tensions with the US. He said: “I feel great support from the Americans. I am satisfied the Games will be safe and secure.”

Around 12,000 UK officers will police the Games along with 15,000 private security officials in a £600million operation. The Home Office said it had full confidence in the plans.

Surface-to-air missiles have been available as defence cover at every Olympic Games since Atlanta in 1996 — where two people died in a terrorist bombing.