NATO’s ballistic missile defense base in Poland becomes mission-ready

Europe, News July 16, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

NATO’s new ballistic missile defense base in northeastern Poland, “Aegis Ashore”, became fully operational and mission-ready. The new U.S. facility will expand the defensive capability of NATO Allies and protect European territories, populations, and forces.

According to the NATO statement, the new ballistic missile defense site is part of a larger NATO missile shield. It is designed to detect, track, and intercept ballistic missiles in flight and protect NATO European nations.

The new Naval Support Facility in Redzikowo, Poland, is the home to the Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense System mission. It enables the Allies to effectively detect any incoming missile attack and uses radar data to guide an interceptor to destroy the adversary’s offensive ballistic missile.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of the new significance of the new facility and said, “This is an important step for transatlantic security and NATO’s ability to defend against the growing threat of ballistic missiles.”

Stoltenberg highlighted that ballistic missiles have been widely used in conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East. “As a defensive Alliance, we cannot ignore that threat. Missile defense is an essential element for NATO’s core task of collective defense,” he added.

Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense Facility in Poland — *^{Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense System new Naval Support Facility in Redzikowo, Poland. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy)}*

NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) statement highlighted that the new missile defense facility in Poland can defend against short-to-intermediate range ballistic missiles. “NATO Ballistic Missile Defence’s mission is to protect NATO’s European populations, territory, and forces against the increasing threat posed by ballistic missiles,” it added.

NATO’s missile shield includes the two U.S. Aegis Ashore sites in Europe (in Poland and Romania). About 200 military personnel are stationed at the two interceptor sites in Poland and Romania. The site in Deveselu, Romania, has been operational since 2016. The U.S. Navy destroyers out of Rota, Spain, and an early-warning radar in Kurecik, Türkiye also provide missile shied to NATO Allies.

Aegis Ashore is a key component of NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence “Enhanced Operational Capability” declared by Allied Heads of State and Government at the Washington Summit.

The initiative is part of the U.S. contribution to NATO’s missile defense system under the European Phased Adaptive Approach. It is designed to protect Europe against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.