"The current threats and what is happening beyond our eastern border prompt us to further expand the operation of the missile defense base in Redzikowo; we are conducting such talks within NATO," Kosiniak-Kamys said in parliament on Wednesday.
The base, located in northern Poland, was officially inaugurated last week. It is part of NATO's broader missile defense system, designed to protect Europe and North America against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missile attacks, with ranges of 1,000 to 5,500 kilometers.
"The base was introduced as the American contribution to NATO's allied defense," Kosiniak-Kamysz told lawmakers.
The Redzikowo site is part of NATO's broader missile defense system, designed to protect Europe and North America against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Photo: PAP/Adam Warżawa
Initially, the missile defense system was developed to address threats from Iran. It includes missile interceptors in Redzikowo and Deveselu, Romania, as well as a radar station in Kurecik, Turkey.
However, analysts note that its current capabilities for defending against threats from Russia or Belarus are unclear.
Experts have suggested that the base could potentially be adapted to handle new threats by deploying more versatile missiles, which could target lower-altitude, short-range projectiles such as those used by Russia in Ukraine.
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the base's strategic importance, describing its capabilities as "unique in the scale of NATO's potential" and stressing its role as a permanent US military installation.
"This is not a deployed unit that can be withdrawn in a matter of minutes," he said.
The US Naval Support Facility in Redzikowo, northern Poland. Photo: National Security Bureau/x.com/BBN_PL
He also underscored the significance of the US military presence in Poland, where around 10,000 American troops are stationed. Many of them are tasked with critical roles, including protecting Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, a major logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine.
"The base in Redzikowo represents a cornerstone of US presence in Poland, and a milestone in the air defense of Europe and our civilization," Kosiniak-Kamysz declared.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP