NATO has ramped up its presence in Central Europe by launching a missile defense base in northern Poland, sparking sharp criticism and warnings from Russia.
The new facility, part of NATO’s Aegis Ashore missile shield, officially opened on November 13 in Redzikowo, near the Baltic Sea. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz hailed the base as cementing the “eternal presence” of American and allied forces in Poland.
Designed to intercept short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, the defense shield also includes a site in Romania, U.S. naval destroyers stationed in Rota, Spain, and an early-warning radar in Turkey. While originally envisioned as protection against potential Iranian missile threats, Polish officials have made it clear that their primary concern is Russia, particularly following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized the symbolic significance of the base, declaring, “The whole world will see clearly that this is not Russia’s sphere of interest anymore.” Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, reinforced the alliance’s stance, stating that Poland and the U.S. stand united against “Russian imperialism and aggression.”
