American Missile Defense Base Opens in Poland to Strengthen NATO Security

The U.S. and Polish officials inaugurated the American Aegis Ashore missile defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, marking a significant step for NATO’s integrated air and missile defense.

The ceremony included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, President Andrzej Duda, U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzeziński, and Admiral Stuart Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa.

According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the base represents a key development in collective air and missile defense across Europe, Poland, and the United States, which he emphasized as crucial for NATO’s security. Highlighting recent global conflicts, he noted the increasing importance of integrated defense structures within NATO, referencing the alliance’s collective efforts that include the Redzikowo base alongside similar installations in Romania, Spain, and Turkey.

The Redzikowo installation, featuring an AN/SPY-1 radar, Mk 41 VLS launcher, and SM-3 anti-ballistic missiles, is part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), the U.S. contribution to NATO’s missile defense system. The base, built with cooperation between successive U.S. and Polish governments, has been under development since 2016 and is protected by Poland's Base Protection Battalion.

President Andrzej Duda, reflecting on Poland’s history, underscored the country’s commitment to NATO and emphasized the strengthening of Polish-American military ties. He stated, "The presence of American troops here affirms Poland's place within the alliance, ensuring that Poland and NATO are even more secure."

In addition to Poland's installation, the NATO missile defense system also includes a similar Aegis Ashore base in Romania, radar facilities in Turkey, and a command center in Germany, further enhancing NATO's strategic capabilities in Europe.