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Poland and US Inaugurate New NATO Missile Defense Base Previously Criticized by Russia.
On October 13, 2024, American and Polish officials inaugurated a NATO Aegis Ashore missile defense base in Poland, marking a significant step forward in security for both the region and NATO as a whole, amid the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine. Located in Redzikowo in northern Poland, the base was originally conceived under the George W. Bush administration to counter potential ballistic threats from Iran. For Poland, however, this installation primarily serves as a strategic shield against Russia—a priority that has intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Equipped with the advanced Aegis Ashore system from the U.S. Navy, the base is designed to detect, track, and intercept ballistic missiles in flight, enhancing NATO's airspace security in Europe.
Redzikowo now becomes the second ground-based installation in Europe to feature the Aegis Ashore system, complementing the site in Deveselu, Romania, which has been operational since 2016 (Picture source: NATO)
The Aegis Ashore system, central to Redzikowo's defense capabilities, relies on the AN/SPY-1 radar, a multifunctional radar with electronic scanning that can simultaneously detect and track numerous airborne and surface targets, providing continuous 360-degree surveillance. The SM-3 interceptors are anti-ballistic missiles specifically designed to destroy enemy missiles in their mid-flight phase, intercepting them while still in the exo-atmospheric layer. These interceptors use direct-impact technology to collide with the target at high speed, effectively neutralizing potential threats. Together, these elements provide Redzikowo with a robust defense against ballistic missile threats, reinforcing the security of Poland and NATO overall.
Polish leaders, along with the U.S. ambassador and senior officials, have described the inauguration as a historic moment, viewing it as an increased U.S. commitment to European security. Polish President Andrzej Duda, present at Redzikowo, emphasized that the base demonstrates Poland’s departure from the Russian sphere of influence, declaring that "the entire world will clearly see that this is no longer within Russia’s sphere of interest." Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz further described the base as a "remarkable" milestone for the security of Poland, the United States, and NATO, also noting the current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that underscore the importance of modern air defense systems.
Redzikowo now becomes the second ground-based installation in Europe to feature the Aegis Ashore system, complementing the site in Deveselu, Romania, which has been operational since 2016. This missile shield is part of a broader defense network that includes U.S. Navy destroyers stationed in Rota, Spain, also equipped with similar Aegis defense capabilities, as well as an advanced radar in Kurecik, Turkey. Together, these installations enhance NATO's capacity to intercept short- to medium-range ballistic missiles, providing an additional layer of protection for European populations, territories, and allied forces.
On the Russian side, this new installation has not been well received. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced the facility, asserting that it challenges Russia’s security. He accused the United States of using the “ephemeral” threat from Iran as a cover for its true purpose, suggesting that the base actually aims to contain Russia militarily. According to Moscow, advancing American military infrastructure closer to Russian borders is an attempt to curb its strategic capabilities, prompting Russia to consider "parity" measures to restore balance.
Despite NATO’s assurances that this is a purely defensive installation, military sources indicated that the system in Poland is currently calibrated to counter missiles from the Middle East. To intercept Russian missiles, a reconfiguration of the radar would be required—a complex operation that would also entail a defense policy revision. Polish Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz has expressed interest in expanding the shield’s operational scope, a subject that will be discussed with NATO and the United States to better address current security needs in Eastern Europe. In this context, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with President Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw to further strengthen security cooperation among member states.
Ultimately, the Redzikowo base stands as a powerful symbol of military cooperation between Poland and the United States—a partnership Poland considers essential to its national defense amid recent political uncertainties. It not only bolsters Poland’s security but also contributes to the broader security of Europe, adding a strategic layer of deterrence amid ongoing tensions with Russia and underscoring NATO’s commitment to regional stability.