facts on missile defense

Multilateral Relations

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

Q: Will the proposed missile defense system in Eastern Europe be integrated into a future NATO system?
A: Although full Concepts of Operation for the US system have not yet been fully developed, full integration between a US and NATO system is not currently envisioned as there has been to date no NATO requirement for territorial missile defense.  However, U.S. missile defense assets in Europe could be used to defend NATO territory, making a significant contribution to NATO security.

Q: Is the participation in the U.S. missile defense program one of the obligations  arising from NATO membership?
A: There is currently no NATO requirement for territorial missile defense.  However, U.S. missile defense assets in Europe could be used to defend NATO territory, making a significant contribution to NATO security.

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 Czech Republic/Poland 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 requesting permission 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 the Czech Republic/Poland?
A: There has been limited consensus and reaction within the European Union regarding the possible deployment of a missile defense installation in Eastern Europe.  However, there has been discussion by many EU members within NATO on the subject where the initiative has generally been favorably received.