US Sends Patriot Missiles to Poland
Earlier this year, Poland’s defense minister announced that the U.S. planned to deploy Patriot missiles to Poland near the Russian border in Kaliningrad. The plan included a base with several launch pads and manned by about 100 U.S. troops. Although the deal reflects both countries’ aim to protect the region against missile attacks from Iran, the former Soviet Union sees the plan as offensive, rather than defensive.
In response to the announcement, Russia said it would beef up its Baltic fleet. This week, a battery of Patriot missiles arrived in Poland, and U.S. soldiers will begin training with Polish soldiers for 30 days every three months over the next two years. (Source)
“It’s not clear to us why Patriot anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems are being deployed near the Russian border,” Russian foreign ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said last month. Although the system is defensive, the spokesman said the move “cannot be left without attention.”
President Barack Obama scrapped Bush-era plans to install missile defense interceptors in Poland and radar in the Czech Republic last year. He said he wanted to focus on Iran’s short- and medium-range missiles instead of long-range missiles, believing the former are a more immediate threat. At least the president isn’t leaving Poland high and dry; he’s making an effort to equip Poland to defend itself.
Tags: Czech Republic, Patriot missiles, Poland, Russia