U.S. Scraps The Final Missile Defense Phase In Europe

US Scraps Final Phase Of European Missile Shield -- BBC

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has scrapped the final phase of its European missile defence shield, citing development problems and funding cuts.

Upgraded interceptors were to have been deployed in Poland to counter medium- and intermediate-range missiles, and potential threats from the Middle East.

Mr Hagel said the threat had "matured" and that the US commitment to Nato missile defence remained "ironclad".

The interceptors had been strongly opposed by the Russian government.

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More News On The U.S. Scrapping The Final Missile Defense Phase In Europe

US drops key European missile defense component -- RT
US axes Europe missile defence interceptor -- Sydney Morning Herald
With Eye on North Korea, U.S. Cancels Missile Defense Russia Opposed -- New York Times
US move on missile defense could revive talks with Russia -- Global Post/AFP
Missile defense reversal may ruffle some allies in Europe -- TribLive/AP
U.S. Backtracks On Missile Defense Plans In Poland -- Roman Mamonov, VOR

Russia Continues To Threaten U.S./NATO Missile Defense Program (Updated)

Member of the U.S. Navy stand aboard the USS Higgins, one of 18 American ships deployed globally with Aegis interceptor systems (Reuters / Atef Safadi Pool)

Russia Threatens Military Strike Over NATO Missile Defence 'If U.S Doesn't Back Down' -- Daily Mail

Russia's top military officer has threatened to carry out a pre-emptive strike on U.S.-led NATO missile defense facilities in Eastern Europe if Washington goes ahead with its controversial plan to build a missile shield.

President Dmitry Medvedev said last year that Russia will retaliate militarily if it does not reach an agreement with the United States and NATO on the missile defense system.

Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov went further in his statements yesterday.

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Previous Post: Russia Threatens War Over U.S.-NATO Missile Defense

More News On Russian Threats Against The U.S./NATO Missile Defense Program

Russia threatens to take aim at NATO's missile defense shield -- Christian Science Monitor
Russia says preemptive strike on NATO missile system is possible -- L.A. Times
Russian military ups the ante on missile defense -- AP
When NATO/US European ABM becomes a threat, it will be dealt with -- Voice of Russia
Russia holds fast in objection to missile shield -- Deutsche Welle
NATO: missile defense not aimed at Russia -- FOX News/AP
NATO: Russia talk of pre-emptive strike unjustified -- Reuters
Moscow Takes Harder Line, But NATO Chief Still 'Hopeful' On Missile Defense -- Radio Free Europe
NATO's Rasmussen hopeful on Russian missile pact -- Chicago Tribune/Reuters
Russia-NATO agreement on missile defense unlikely in near future -- Xinhuanet
Russia's Last Warnings to Washington -- Moscow Times

Problems Are Being Reported On The European Missile Defense Program

(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Image from RIA Novosti

Reports: NATO Missile Defense Overpriced, Underpowered -- Anti-War

Pentagon Adviser Warns of Big Problems, Offers No Solutions

In 2009, after years of reports about dramatic cost overruns, long delays and technological failures, President Obama announced he was essentially scrapping the Bush-era missile defense plan for Europe, replacing it with a new, more mobile version that was supposed to be cheaper and easier to get off the ground.

Fast forward to today, and a pair of new reports from the GAO and the Pentagon’s advisory body are casting yet more doubts on the new system, noting it is plagued by many of the same problems of the abandoned system.

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Update: European Missile Defense Program Coming Under New Scrutiny -- Huffington Post/AP

My Comment: I rarely post articles from Anti-War .... their posting is more focused on ideology/philosophy/commentary (and that is where I usually post their commentary) .... but on the case of NATO's missile defense program .... they have a point.

Russia Threatens To Break Off Missile Defense Cooperation Over US Basing Of Aegis Cruisers In Spain

Russia warned on Thursday it may stop cooperation with the United States on a missile shield in Europe. © RIA Novosti. Michail Fomichev

Russia Threatens Stop To Missile Defense Cooperation -- RIA Novosti

Russia warned on Thursday it may stop cooperation with the United States on a missile shield in Europe.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow condemned Washington for making far-reaching decisions “without collective discussion” and ignoring the opinions of all interested parties.

“If this continues, then the chance created at the NATO-Russia summit in Lisbon to turn anti-missile defense from an area of confrontation to an area of cooperation may be lost,” the ministry said.

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More News On Russian Reaction To Stationing US Aegis Cruisers In Spain

Russia criticizes latest U.S. missile defense deal -- Reuters
Russia Says U.S. Approach to Missile Defense ‘Unacceptable’ -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Russia threatens to stop cooperation with U.S. over missile defense -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: The Russians knew a long time ago that the American Aegis platform was going to be used for missile defense in Europe .... hence their reaction today is ....hmmm .... let us stay staged.

US To Station Aegis Cruisers In Spain As Part Of The Missile Defense Plan

In March 2011 USS Monterey (CG 61) deployed for a six-month independent deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. On this voyage, the AEGIS cruiser provided the first ballistic missile defense under the European Phased Adaptive Approach. The cruiser is seen here on one of its Mediterranean port visits in Greece, in May 2011. Photo: U.S. Navy

US Will Station Aegis Cruisers In Spain As Part Of The Missile Defense Plan For Europe -- Washington Post/AP

BRUSSELS — The Obama administration and the Spanish government have agreed to base Aegis Cruisers on Spain’s coast, as part of the anti-ballistic missile defense system to protect Europe against a potential Iranian nuclear threat, officials said Wednesday.

The plan will make it easier to maintain a continuous naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea, and also provide security in the eastern Atlantic.

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Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, announces a new strategic initiative with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, center, and Spanish President Jose Zapatero, involving the basing of U.S. Navy Aegis destroyers at Rota, Spain, during a news conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 5, 2011. DOD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

More News On Aegis Cruisers To Be Stationed In Spain For European Missile Defense

Spain to host U.S. missile defense ships -- Reuters
Navy to forward deploy BMD ships in Spain -- DoD Buzz
Spain Will Port U.S. Ships to Support NATO Missile Defense -- US Department of Defense
Spain To Host U.S. Ships for NATO Missile Defense -- Defense News
U.S. to Base Aegis Antimissile Ships Out of Spain -- Global Security Newswire
American AEGIS Ships To Base In Spain For Missile Defense -- RTT News
Spain to host elements of NATO anti-missile shield -- FOX News/EFE
Four U.S. Navy ships to be stationed at Rota as part of missile defense system -- Stars and Stripes
Spain to host US missile defence ships -- Euronews
Spain will host U.S. ships for missile defense -- CBS/AP
Supporting Europe’s Missile defense Initiative, U.S. Navy to Position Four AEGIS ships in Rota, Spain -- Defense Update

U.S. - Poland Missile Defence Basing Agreement Comes Into Force. Russia Not Amused

NATO Welcomes Enforcement Of US-Poland Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement -- RTT News

NATO has welcomed the coming into force of a Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement that the United States and Poland signed in 2008.

This agreement is yet another sign of progress for NATO's missile defense system which will defend against current and emerging ballistic missile threats, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in a statement on Friday.

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More News On Enforcement Of US-Poland Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement

NATO welcomes U.S.-Polish start of missile defense agreement -- RIA Novosti
NATO Secretary General welcomes entry into force of missile defence basing agreement between Poland and the US -- NATO
Polish-US missile defense deal takes effect -- Boston.com
US, Poland Sign Joint Missile Defense Agreement -- Eurasia Review
Antimissile plan advances as Poland welcomes US interceptors -- RT
Obama Administration Defends Antimissile Plan -- Global Security Newswire
Fact Sheet: Implementing Missile Defense in Europe -- White House
Gap widens over missile system -- Politico
Obama's Cold War? Raytheon Missiles On Russia's Border By 2018 -- Forbes
AMD ‘un-resets’ Washington’s relations with Moscow -- RT
US Continues Implementing Ballistic Missile Defense In Europe -- Eurasia Review

Turkey To Support NATO`s Missile Defense Program

Anti-missile radar to be deployed in Turkey. RIA Novosti

Turkey Backs Nato Missile Defence Shield Against Iran -- The Telegraph

Turkey has dropped its opposition to Nato’s missile defence system aimed at countering ballistic missile threats from neighbouring Iran by agreeing to host American early warning radar stations.



The Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Friday that negotiations over the Alliance’s anti-missile shield had reached “their final stages.”



“It is anticipated that the early warning radar system allocated by the US for Nato will be deployed in our country,” said a statement.



“Turkey’s hosting of this element will constitute our country’s contribution to the defence system being developed in the framework of Nato’s new strategic concept. It will strengthen Nato’s defence capacity and our national defence system.”



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More News On Turkey`s Support Of NATO`s Missile Defense Shield

Turkey to Station U.S. Radar to Counter Iranian Rockets -- Wall Street Journal

Turkey agrees to host early warning radar -- AP

Anti-missile radar to be deployed in Turkey - Foreign Ministry -- RIA Novosti

Turkey set to host NATO early warning radar -- Reuters

Turkey To Host NATO Missile-Defense Radar -- Radio Free Europe

Turkey to host radar for NATO missile defense -- Hurriyet Daily News

Missile Defense System In Europe -- News Roundup July 28, 2011

U.S. And Russia Weighing Joint Missile Defense Program -- The Atlantic

The Obama Administration is courting Moscow in hopes of developing collaborative missile warning systems.

U.S.-Russian discussions on potential collaborative mechanisms to warn of impending missile attacks could prove "very, very positive," President Obama's nominee to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

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More News On Missile Defense In Europe

"We propose cooperation on missile defense" -- Voice of Russia
Little progress in US-Russia ABM talks -- Voice of Russia
U.S. missile shield may be precursor for Iran attack - Rogozin -- RIA Novosti
NATO Tells Turkey Not to Purchase Third-Party Antimissile Tech -- Global Security Newswire
NATO Bargaining Hard on Turkish Air Defense -- Eurasianet.org
Russian envoy visits Turkey to discuss NATO missile defense system -- Shanghai Daily
Russia opposes deployment of missile defense shield in the Black Sea region -- Focus News Agency
Russia against U.S. missile shield elements in Black Sea -- RIA Novosti
Russia ready to wait for NATO proposals on missile defense until May 2012 -- Kyiv Post

Worries Expressed Over U.S.-Turkish Missile Defense Agreement

Photo: Jon Kyl expressed concerns Tuesday about a possible agreement to base a missile-shield radar in Turkey. AFP

Senators To Clinton: Don’t Sign Turkish Missile Defense Agreement -- Foreign Policy

When Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gets to Istanbul on Friday, senators and their staffs will be watching closely to see if she moves the ball forward on an agreement to station U.S. missile defense radar there, an agreement many Republicans oppose.

"We write with concern over recent reports that the administration may be nearing completion of a bilateral agreement with the Turkish Government to base a U.S. AN/TPY-2 (X-Band) radar in Turkey," wrote Sens. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) in a July 12 letter to Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta obtained by The Cable.

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Update #1: Senators Demand Turkey Radar Data Be Shared With Israel -- Global Security Newswire
Update #2: Clinton Goes to Istanbul; Will Missile Defense be on the Agenda? -- Eurasianet.org

My Comment: There is a reason why Europe has blocked Turkey's entrance in the EU .... and while they will not say it publicly .... it is clear that they do not have confidence in an Islamic government that makes it a point to cozy up to countries like Iran and terror groups like Hamas .... and for now should not be trusted. Maybe the U.S. should heed these concerns .... but I predict that they will not.

Czech Republic Pulls Out Of U.S. Missile Defense Program In Europe

U.S. scraps missile defense plan for Czech Republic - report. © RIA Novosti. Michail Fomichev

Czechs Pull Out Of U.S. Missile Shield Plan -- CBS News

PRAGUE - The Czech Republic is withdrawing from U.S. missile defense plans out of frustration at its diminished role, the Czech defense minister told The Associated Press Wednesday.

The Bush administration first proposed stationing 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and an advanced radar in the Czech Republic, saying the system was aimed at blunting future missile threats from Iran. But Russia angrily objected and warned that it would station its own missiles close to Poland if the plan went through.

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More News On the Czech Republic Opting Out Of Missile Defense

Czech Republic Exits Obama Missile Shield Plan -- Global Security Newswire
Czech Republic Exits U.S. Missile Shield Plans -- Defense News/AFP
Czech Republic Pulls Out Of U.S. Missile-Shield Plan -- Radio Free Europe
U.S. scraps missile defense plan for Czech Republic - report -- RIA Novosti
Czechs won’t host AMD early warning center -- Czech Position

My Comment: After how Poland was treated by this administration last year on missile defense ..... and doubts about U.S. resolve ..... the Czechs have decided to not tie their national defense policy with the U.S..

U.S. - Russia Preparing For Missile Shield Talks

Photo: Romanian President Traian Basescu (file photo)

Russia Set For "Intensive" Missile Shield Talks With U.S. -- Global Security Newswire

The United States and Russia this week in Belgium intend to hold vigorous discussions on a European antimissile framework, according to the Kremlin's envoy to NATO (see GSN, April 18).

"This will be an especially intensive week of consultations at the political and military level," Dmitry Rogozin said in an Interfax article.

The bilateral talks are to take place from Monday through Thursday in Brussels.

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My Comment: With Russia unwilling to discuss cutbacks in their tactical nuclear arsenal, their focus on missile defense is an attempt to divert attention from their own priorities .... which is to keep their tactical nuclear arsenal untouched.

Russia Outlines Its Vision Of Missile Defense

ABM. Photo: RIA Novosti

Russia Outlines Its Vision Of European Missile Shield -- RIA Novosti

Commander of Russian Space Forces Lt. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko outlined on Friday Russia's proposals for the future Eurhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifopean missile defense network.

Russia and NATO agreed to cooperate on the so-called Euro missile shield during the Russia-NATO Council summit in Lisbon in November 2010. NATO insists there should be two independent systems that exchange information, while Russia favors a joint system with full-scale interoperability.

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More News On Russia's Views On European Missile Defense

Russia ready to unfold anti-missile umbrella over eastern Europe -- Xinhuanet
Russian ABM shield ready to cover Eastern Europe -- Voice of Russia
Russia, U.S. to hold intensive consultations on European missile defense in Brussels -- Kyiv Post

Doubts About Europe`s Missile Defense Program Surface

NAVY Navy Surface ships with ballistic missile defense capabilities — like the cruiser Shiloh, above, firing a Standard Missile-3 during a 2006 test — will patrol the North Sea and the Mediterranean starting in 2011 to provide missile defense to Europe. Navy

Report Raises Doubts About Obama Missile Defense Plan -- McClatchy News

WASHINGTON — The missile defense system that President Barack Obama plans to deploy in Europe starting next year may not function properly and could face significant cost overruns, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog agency warned Tuesday.

The report raises questions about legislation that would strengthen the U.S. commitment to the deployment plan that the White House was negotiating in return for Republican votes it needed for Senate approval of a new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty.

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Update: Why Obama Surrendered the Missile Shield -- Zbigniew Mazurak, American Thinker

My Comment: The American Thinker post is more comprehensive in their analysis .... but both articles reveal the problems (and politics) when it comes to Europe`s missile defense.

Nato Did Not Cite Iran As A Missile Threat When Approving Europe's Missile Defense Program

NATO Won't Cite Iran in Missile Defense Plan -- Global Security Newswire

NATO this week does not intend to explicitly make the connection between its proposed missile shield and fears of an Iranian missile strike, alliance head Anders Fogh Rasmussen told the Financial Times (see GSN, Nov. 16).

The move is intended to win the support of Turkey, which could host part of the system and which has voiced strong reservations against singling out its neighbor.

"We do not want to single out particular countries," Rasmussen said. "More than 30 countries already have -- or are aspiring to acquire -- missile technologies with a range that can hit NATO territory. So there is no need to single out or name specific countries, because this is an evolving threat."

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Update: As summit begins, NATO missile shield a test of Turkey's allegiance -- Deutsche Welle

My Comment: Al Jazeera sums it up best ..... Nato agrees to expand Europe-based defence system, but bows to Turkish concerns over naming Iran as a threat.

European Missile Defense Plan Approved By NATO

NATO Approves Europe Missile Defense Plan -- Voice of America

Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have approved U.S. President Barack Obama's proposal for a new, expanded missile defense system for Europe. The agreement is a victory for the president, after a series of foreign policy setbacks.

President Obama says Friday's approval by NATO's main decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, will make Europe and the world more secure. "For the first time, we have agreed to develop missile defense capability that is strong enough to cover all NATO European populations, as well as the United States," he said.

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More News On NATO Approving Europe's Missile Defense Plan

Obama: NATO to erect missile shield for Europe -- Yahoo News/AP
NATO agrees on Europe-wide missile defence system -- Yahoo News/AFP
Obama: Missile defence shield for all Nato members -- BBC
NATO agrees to build missile defense shield -- Reuters
Obama announces U.S.-NATO deal on missile defense shield -- L.A. Times
NATO agrees on missile defense system for most of Europe, the U.S. -- CNN
President Obama pushes START, missile defense, at NATO Summit -- ABC News
Nato reaches missile shield deal -- Al Jazeera
Nato plans to build ballistic missile defence shield in face of scepticism -- The Telegraph
BACKGROUND: Missile defence: NATO's system -- M&C

Turkey Agrees To Missile Defense, But With Conditions

Turkey Sets Conditions Before NATO For Deployment Of Missile Defense System -- Pan Armenian

Turkey will agree to deployment of a missile-defense system on its soil, if its three conditions are accepted. First, the Turkish authorities insist on building NATO, but not American missile defense shield. Second, Ankara also wants the deployment of the shield to cover the territory of all NATO allies. And third, Turkey wouldn't allow itself to become a frontline state for NATO, as it was during the Cold War.

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Update: Turkey agrees conditionally to NATO missile defence system -- KUNA

My Comment: There will be announces of agreement publicly, but privately these conditions will not be accepted. The target is Iran .... and Turkey knows it.

Update: Should Turkey still be part of NATO? -- National Post commentary

Russia Lays Down Its Conditions For Participation In European Missile Defense

Photo: Rasmussen and Merkel reiterated support for the missile shield . Photo from Deutsche Welle

Russia Wants Equal Role In NATO Missile Shield: Minister -- Times Of India/AFP

BERLIN: Russia is open to talks on NATO's planned European missile shield but wants to play an equal role in its development, Russian defence minister Anatoly Anatoly Serdyukov told the German weekly Der Spiegel.

"The most important thing for us is firstly to define what are the real threats to Europe, and secondly is to see Russia put on an equal footing as a participant," Serdyukov said in an interview to be published in full on Monday.

"It is only thus can an anti-missile defence system be put in place which satisfies everyone."

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My Comment: Russia wants to be first among equals when it comes to European missile defense .... but will the Europeans agree to this arrangement? I know that they are hoping that Russia will come aboard, but I suspect that what Russia wants is just a bit too much for the Europeans to accept.

Expect European missile defense be deployed without Russian participation.

Turkey Imposes Conditions For Installing Missile Defense

Ahmed Davutoglu, left, Turkey's foreign minister, opened 'negotiations' on the targeting of the missiles at a preliminary meeting in Brussels last week Photo: Reuters

Turkey Objects To Nato Missile Shield Targeting Iran -- The Telegraph

Turkey has imposed hurdles to Nato's planned anti-ballistic missile shield in Europe by demanding proof that the system would not exclusively target Iran.

The development raised further concerns that Turkish foreign policy was tilting outside the sphere of the Western alliance towards alignment with its eastern neighbour.

A Turkish official said Ahmed Davutoglu, Turkey's foreign minister, had opened "negotiations" on the targeting of the missiles at a preliminary meeting in Brussels last week.

Read me ....

More News On Turkish Conditions For Missile Defense In Their Country

Turkey says anti-missile should not single out Iran -- Reuters
Turkey Shields Iran from US Missile Defense in Europe -- Novinite
US not pressing Turkey over NATO missile shield: Gates -- AFP
Gates says US not pressuring Turkey to contribute to NATO missile defence system -- Canadian Press
Missile shield puzzles Turkey -- Global Times

My Comment: One more nail in the coffin for European - Turkish cooperation.

A European Defense Shield?

A Ground-Based Interceptor missile is tested near Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Pentagon

West Needs New Missile Shield Against Iranian Nuclear Threat, Nato Chief Says -- The Telegraph

Nato's Secretary-General has urged the construction of a new missile defence system to protect Europe from the threat of Iranian nuclear attack.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen told The Sunday Telegraph he has full American backing for a proposed €200 million (£165 million) defensive "shield", which he hopes will be agreed in November at a summit of members in Lisbon.

He was speaking after weapons inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned last week that Iran had passed a crucial nuclear threshold which took it nearer to being able to arm ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

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My Comment: I am old enough to remember that when the green light was given by the Reagan administration in the 1980s to build a missile shield .... the Europeans were the most vocal against it.

25 years later .... the loudest call for a missile shield is coming from Europe. Sighhh .... you figure it out.

U.S. About To Activate A Partial Missile Shield Over Southern Europe

U.S. Nears Key Step In European Defense Shield Against Iranian Missiles -- Washington Post

The U.S. military is on the verge of activating a partial missile shield over southern Europe, part of an intensifying global effort to build defenses against Iranian missiles amid a deepening impasse over the country's nuclear ambitions.

Pentagon officials said they are nearing a deal to establish a key radar ground station, probably in Turkey or Bulgaria. Installation of the high-powered X-band radar would enable the first phase of the shield to become operational next year.

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My Comment: Are the Iranians concerned .... I don't know. Their focus has always been on the Middle East .... in particular against Israel and the oil producing countries of the region. 'He who controls the oil in the region will control the world' .... and if that is the mindset of the leaders in Tehran .... all the missile shields in Europe or the U.S. will have zero impact on the geopolitical game that they are playing.