US Opens Aegis Missile Defense Base in Poland, 165 km from Russia

Nov 13, 2024, 12:00 PM

The United States has officially opened the Aegis Ashore missile defense base in Redzikowo, northern Poland. This facility, part of NATO's integrated air and missile defense system, aims to intercept ballistic missiles from regions outside the Euro-Atlantic area. The base is located 165 kilometers from the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region, marking it as a significant strategic move. The opening comes amid heightened security concerns in Poland following Donald Trump's presidential election victory. The base houses an AN/SPY-1 radar, Mk 41 VLS launchers, and SM-3 interceptor missiles. Both US and Polish top officials attended the opening, with Polish President Andrzej Duda speaking at the event. The Kremlin has criticized the base's opening, viewing it as part of an American attempt to contain Russia militarily.