frequently asked questions on missile defense

Multilateral Relations

Q: How will a missile defense system in Europe complement or compete with a proposed NATO missile defense system?
A: A long-range ground-based missile defense interceptor site and missile defense radar in central Europe would provide protection of most NATO territory against an intermediate or long-range ballistic missile attack from the Middle East.  In that context, it could complement and augment any future NATO missile defense systems. 

Q:  Will the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) be NATO-interoperable?
A:  NATO is currently in the process of assessing its needs in the area of missile defense that will benefit all member nations.  BMDS can integrate with emerging NATO concepts for a missile defense system.  The United States is fully committed to treaties and alliances and the collective defense of Europe.

Q: What will be the chain of command in terms of NATO/U.S. cooperation at the installation in the event of an attack?
A: The very short reaction period between a missile launch and impact will require the U.S. to act immediately with defensive capability to protect the U.S. and its friends and allies.  The U.S. could then notify its NATO allies of the attack on a NATO member and work within the coalition to develop an appropriate NATO response.

Q: What will be the chain of command between the U.S. and host nations (e.g. the Czech Republic) in the event of an attack, i.e., will the U.S. require permission of the host nation(s) to launch interceptor missiles?
A: The missile defense system will be under U.S. command and control.  The very short time frame—a few minutes--between the launch of a hostile missile and the decision to launch an interceptor missile will not allow for consultations with allies to engage a hostile missile in order to defend the host nation(s), Europe or the United States.

Q: What is the European Union’s response to the potential of a U.S. missile defense installation in Europe?
A: There has been limited consensus and reaction within the European Union regarding the possible deployment of a missile defense installation in Europe.  However, there has been discussion by many EU members within NATO on the subject where the initiative has generally been favorably received.

Q: There are suggestions that the installation is actually intended as a defensive shield against Russia.  Is this the case?
A: U.S. missile defenses in Europe are designed to protect the U.S., deployed forces, and U.S. allies from long range ballistic missiles launched from the Middle East.  It is not intended to defend against Russian ballistic missiles.  The small number of proposed interceptors, ten, and the geographic location in this part of Europe is not favorable for defending the U.S. from Russian ballistic missiles.

next

previous