NATO to inaugurate missile defence base in Poland’s Redzikowo

A NATO missile defence base in Redzikowo, Poland, is set to be officially inaugurated on November 13, Jacek Siewiera, head of Poland's National Security Bureau, said.

The ceremony will coincide with Poland's Independence Day celebrations, adding significance to the occasion, Caliber.Az reports per Polish media.

Siewiera confirmed that Polish President Andrzej Duda will attend the opening ceremony following his visit to Azerbaijan.

"Today, the president will travel directly from state celebrations to Azerbaijan, and on his return, he will land in Gdansk and proceed to the official inauguration of the Aegis missile defence base in Redzikowo. This will take place on November 13," Siewiera announced.  

The event will also be attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, as well as NATO representatives. The base is equipped to detect, track, and intercept ballistic missiles, enhancing NATO's defence capabilities in Eastern Europe.

Despite its proximity to Russia's borders, the United States has emphasized that the base is not intended to undermine Russia's military-strategic capabilities. Washington has clarified that the base is primarily focused on defending Western Europe, particularly against missile threats from Iran.

Located just 165 kilometers from Russia’s western border, the Redzikowo base is equipped with advanced missile defence technology, including three MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), each containing eight containers of SM-3 IIA interceptors (a total of 24 missiles), as well as a SPY-1D(V) radar and fire control systems. The base will be a key component in NATO's broader strategy for missile defence across Europe.

By Vafa Guliyeva