Missile shield
February 2, 2012
NATO plans to set up the command center for its missile shield at the US military base Ramstein, a diplomatic source said Thursday.
Speaking in Brussels on condition of anonymity, the diplomat said the command center was planned for the Ramstein Air Base, located in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
The missile shield is intended to protect Europe from a potential attack of medium-range missiles. Several European countries will take part in the project. Spain will host US ships with interceptor missiles, while Turkey will be home to an early warning radar system. Poland and Romania have also confirmed their participation.
Russia has objected to NATO's plans, saying the missile shield will target its own strategic development. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the shield is intended to counter missile threats from Iran.
The missile shield is expected to be fully operational by 2018.
cmk/mz (AFP, dapd)