A new U.S. ballistic missile defence site in Redzikowo, Poland is now operational and available for the defence of the Alliance. Dubbed “Aegis Ashore”, the site is part of a larger NATO missile shield and is designed to detect, track and intercept ballistic missiles in flight. NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence allows for the detection of a missile attack and uses radar data to guide an interceptor to destroy the adversary’s offensive ballistic missile. The missile defence site in Poland can defend against short-to-intermediate range ballistic missiles. 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.
“This is an important step for transatlantic security and NATO’s ability to defend against the growing threat of ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles have been widely used conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. As a defensive Alliance we cannot ignore that threat. Missile defence is an essential element for NATO’s core task of collective defence,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.
NATO BMD is designed to counter the increasing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles in the vicinity of the south-eastern border of the Alliance. In recent years, for example, Allies have noted concerns about Iran’s intensified missile tests and the range and precision of its ballistic missiles. The aim of NATO BMD remains to provide full coverage and protection for all NATO European populations, territory and forces against ballistic missiles from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. This core aim is based on the principles of indivisibility of Allied security and NATO solidarity, equitable sharing of risks and burdens, as well as reasonable challenge. It also takes into account the level of threat, affordability and technical feasibility, and is in line with the latest common threat assessments agreed by the Alliance.
Should international efforts reduce the threats posed by ballistic missile proliferation, NATO missile defence can, and will, adapt accordingly. Effective ballistic missile defence capabilities serve to complicate hostile planning for potential adversaries. They could also provide valuable decision-making space in times of crisis by giving civilian and military leaders more time to determine an appropriate response to a threat. Ballistic missile defence can complement the role of nuclear weapons in deterrence; it cannot substitute for them. NATO BMD is intended to defend against potential threats emanating from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO BMD is not directed against Russia and will not undermine Russia’s strategic deterrence.
