RAMSTEIN, Germany – NATO has formally taken control of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System (AAMDS) in Redzikowo, Poland, marking a pivotal step in bolstering the Alliance's missile defence capabilities.
During a ceremony attended by senior officials, Polish President Andrzej Duda and U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch highlighted the strategic importance of the system, which now operates under NATO's command and control structure.
The integration of the Aegis Ashore system into NATO’s defensive network underscores our collective commitment to ensuring the security of all Allies
Headquarters NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is responsible for ensuring the command and control of NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems for the Alliance. The assumption of AAMDS under NATO control signifies AIRCOM’s commitment to enhancing Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). IAMD is intent on defending NATO territory, its people, critical infrastructure, and essential defence capabilities.
The mission-ready Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defence System facility at Redzikowo, Poland, provides capability to an essential element of NATO collective defence. Archive photo courtesy U.S. Navy.
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the inaugural ceremony of Aegis Ashore, Deveselu Base, Romania May 2016. NATO has formally taken control of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System (AAMDS) in Redzikowo, Poland, marking a pivotal step in bolstering the Alliance's missile defence capabilities. Photo Courtesy: NATO Brussels
The Redzikowo site joins its counterpart in Romania as a critical component of NATO’s larger ballistic missile defence architecture. This system is specifically designed to counter the growing threat of ballistic missiles, enhancing protection for NATO’s European populations, territories, and forces.
“The integration of the Aegis Ashore system into NATO’s defensive network underscores our collective commitment to ensuring the security of all Allies,” said General James Hecker, Allied Air Command Commander. “This capability strengthens Poland’s role in our employment of IAMD,” General Hecker added.
Admiral Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, praised the longstanding partnership between the U.S. and NATO at the formal ceremony. The transfer solidifies shared values and collective defence strategies, he added.
The Redzikowo site represents a testament to NATO's adaptability and commitment to collective defence and, more specifically, IAMD, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address 21st-century challenges.