Construction start for the Aegis Ashore in Poland 41605162.

EPAA is a multi-phase project including Aegis surface naval units, Aegis Ashore sites (the one in Romania had been recently activated), a forward deployed radar site in Turkey and a command and control centre at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany.

The construction commencement of the Aegis Ashore in Poland is a milestone for the Phase III of the EPAA programme. The facility is expected to be established this year’s Fall, while the site is planned to be operational in 2018. Phase II had been completed with the activation of the site at Deveselu Naval Support Facility in Romania, on 12 May 2016.

The Polish site will host the fire-control installation with the land-based Aegis C3 suite and several Raytheon SM-3 missile launch modules. The coverage of the system will be improved against intermediate ballistic missiles with the use of the Block IIA version of the interceptors.

US Deputy Defence Secretary, Rober Work, said during the ceremony "AEGIS Ashore reflects the strength of our relationship as Allies and our resolve in promoting security and close regional cooperation in Europe. This enhancement marks another milestone and is consistent with the enduring partnership between the U.S., Poland and Romania. The Department of Defense looks forward to continued work with our NATO allies in developing BMD."