"Aegis Ashore" base for NATO missile defence launched in Poland

The US missile defence base in Redzikowo, Poland, called Aegis Ashore, is part of NATO's missile defence shield and is designed to detect, track and intercept ballistic missiles.

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"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 used extensively in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. As a defensive Alliance, we cannot ignore this threat," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

NATO's ballistic missile defence detects a missile attack and uses radar data to direct aircraft to destroy the ballistic missile. The missile defence base in Poland can protect against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.

"Aegis Ashore is a key component of NATO's Enhanced Operational Capability for Missile Defence, which was announced by Allied Heads of State and Government at the Washington Summit. The mission of NATO's missile defence is to protect European populations, territory and NATO forces from an ever-increasing threat.

The key elements of NATO's missile defence shield are the two US Aegis Ashore bases in Poland and Romania, together with US Navy destroyers in Rota, Spain, and an early warning radar in Kurecik, Turkey.

"Aegis Ashore is exclusively for defence purposes, with around 200 troops stationed at these bases in Poland and Romania.

Source: Defence Industry Europe