Nato takes control of crucial Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System in Poland
Nato has formally assumed control of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System in Redzikowo, Poland.
The site, which is part of the alliance's larger missile defence shield, is designed to protect against short- and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.
Aegis is a cutting-edge system that tracks and intercepts ballistic missiles in flight with remarkable accuracy.
The Aegis Ashore System is a land-based version of the Aegis Combat System, originally made for naval ships to defend against missiles.
The US Navy uses this system on Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to protect its aircraft carriers.
Aegis Ashore brings the same defence capability to land.
Nato's Allied Air Command (Aircom), based at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, oversees the command and control of the alliance's ballistic missile defence systems.
The Aegis Ashore site in Romania has been operational since 2016. Its role is to protect Nato allies in Europe from potential missile threats originating from the Middle East.
The Redzikowo site, along with the one in Romania, is a key part of Nato's ballistic missile defense system.
The ceremony marking the site's formal transfer to Nato control was attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda and US Navy Admiral Stuart B Munsch, who highlighted the strategic importance of the Polish system.
"This capability strengthens Poland’s role in our employment of Integrated Air and Missile Defence," said Allied Air Command Commander General James Hecker.
Aegis incorporates Thaad (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Patriot missile systems, and provides an additional layer of protection by intercepting threats before they reach their targets.
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