frequently asked questions on missile defense

Benefits for the Czech Republic

Q: What are the benefits to the Czech Republic for hosting a missile defense radar?
A: The primary benefit to the Czech Republic will be improvement in national and European security.  There will likely be additional economic benefits during construction and once the site becomes operational.   Companies of the host nation will have the opportunity and be encouraged to bid on construction and service functions.  Personnel working to construct and maintain the facility will also contribute to local economy in the form of renting housing and/or the purchase of consumer goods.

Q: Will the United States pay rent or will it provide a lump-sum to compensate the Czech Republic for use of the site?
A:  The United States intends to provide its allies with missile defense coverage in accordance with its commitment to the collective defense of Europe.  This is consistent with the obligations of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.  The United States intends to provide this defense without asking our European allies to contribute to the very large costs of developing and fielding a missile defense system. 

Q: Will Czech companies be permitted to take part in construction and/or outfitting (supplies, services, materials) of the installation?
A: Czech companies would most likely have an opportunity to take part in construction of the facility if the U.S. prime contractor determined that the Czech company was both qualified and competitively priced. Sub-contracts could be awarded for construction and service functions, or for research and development.  Czech companies would be encouraged to bid on such sub-contracts.

Q: Is the installation likely to help reduce unemployment in the region?
A: A Missile Defense site could provide opportunity for an increase in employment during construction and to a more limited degree during operations.

Q: Will construction/operation of the installation result in upgrades to existing infrastructure, i.e., roads, electrical power, telephone service, etc?
A: The level of upgrades will be dependent on the further technical evaluations of the selected site.

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