Missile defense base to operate in Poland, likely intercepting Russian missiles
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (photo: Getty Images)
In the coming weeks, a missile defense base will become operational in the Polish village of Redzikowo. It will also intercept Russian missiles targeting Poland, states Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
"We will open a missile defense base in Redzikowo near Puck (Pomeranian Voivodeship) in the coming weeks. This is the base we agreed upon with the US," he stated.
Sikorski emphasized that he had been negotiating for the air defense missiles to also intercept Russian missiles targeting Poland, rather than just Iranian missiles aimed at the US.
"Our opponents accused us of destroying the base project, but in fact, it exists and will be officially opened soon," the foreign minister said.
Missile defense base in Poland
Construction of the American missile defense base in the Polish village of Redzikowo began in 2016. It was initially planned to be operational by 2018, but the project faced delays.
In the summer of 2021, US military personnel began installing missile defense weapon systems at the base. The operation of the SPY-1D (V) radar and the Fire Control System (FCS) was tested.
At the NATO summit in July 2024 in Washington, the operational readiness of the missile base in Redzikowo was declared. This base is part of the US European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), which contributes to NATO's integrated air and missile defense system.
Earlier, a draft law was introduced to the Polish Sejm aimed at detecting Russian missiles and drones using fire and mobile towers.
In late March this year, during a large-scale shelling of Ukraine, one of the Russian missiles briefly entered Polish airspace. However, Polish military forces did not intercept it.
