The eagerly anticipated completion of the US anti-missile base in Redzikowo is set to enhance Europe’s security landscape, according to an announcement made by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. During his visit to the US Naval Support Facility at the Redzikowo Air Base, Prime Minister Morawiecki emphasized the significance of this milestone in bolstering both Polish and regional defence capabilities.
The Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System (AAMDS), currently under construction in Redzikowo, represents a major phase in the implementation of the anti-missile shield. Prime Minister Morawiecki stressed the importance of defending both Polish land and sky, stating that the government is undertaking an unprecedented investment program to strengthen both fronts.
Prime Minister Morawiecki Highlights Completion Timeline for State-of-the-Art Facility, Emphasizing Strong Defense Against Aggression
“The whole facility and its IT systems will be ready by the end of the year,” Prime Minister Morawiecki proudly declared in Redzikowo. He commended the Polish and American specialists working on-site, hailing them as among the best missile defence operators.
Citing the escalating aggression of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Morawiecki highlighted the necessity of a strong Polish army, emphasizing that only through a policy of armament and modernization can true security be achieved. Morawiecki firmly dismissed any notion of appeasement or dialogue without substance, underscoring the need for a resolute stance against bullying tactics.
Echoing Morawiecki’s sentiments, US Ambassador Mark Brzezinski emphasized the remarkable cooperation between the American and Polish armies, lauding their seamless integration at Redzikowo. Brzezinski deemed the facility as state-of-the-art, symbolizing Poland’s inclusion within the system of interdependence and strengthening its defensive capabilities.
Redzikowo Base: Final Component of NATO’s Anti-Missile System to Safeguard Europe
Upon completion, the Aegis Ashore missile defence facility will undergo final testing by the US Navy, marking the culmination of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPPA). As part of NATO’s anti-missile system, the EPPA aims to shield the continent from short-, medium-, and intermediate-range missiles, particularly from Iran.
The Redzikowo base will consist of the AN/SPY-1 radar, Mk 41 VLS launchers, and anti-ballistic SM-3 (Standard Missile – 3) rockets. It represents the final uncompleted element of the overall system, complementing other components such as the Aegis Ashore base in Deveselu, Romania, an early-warning radar facility in Kurecik, Turkey, and a command centre in Ramstein, Germany. Additionally, a maritime element of Aegis on a US Navy destroyer stationed at the Rota base in Spain adds further protection.
Riki Ellison, an expert at the US Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, highlighted the Aegis Ashore system’s significance in deterring potential first strikes, and safeguarding Polish citizens and critical infrastructure.