Poland Set to Open Missile Defense Base in Redzikowo, Likely to Intercept Russian Missiles

In the coming weeks, Poland will open a missile defense base in Redzikowo, which may be capable of intercepting Russian missiles targeting the country. This was confirmed by Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, according to PAP.

“We will soon inaugurate the missile defense base in Redzikowo, Pomeranian Voivodeship. This base is part of an agreement with the United States,” Sikorski stated. He emphasized that negotiations ensured the base could intercept not only Iranian missiles aimed at the United States but also Russian missiles potentially directed at Poland.

Sikorski noted that critics had previously claimed the base project was abandoned, yet it is now complete and set to be officially opened.

This development follows the announcement at NATO’s Washington Summit in July 2024, where the base was declared operationally ready. The Redzikowo facility is a component of the US European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), contributing to NATO’s integrated air and missile defense system.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s former Secretary-General, also confirmed in July that the US air defense base in northern Poland is prepared to detect and intercept ballistic missile threats. Construction of the Redzikowo base began in 2016, but completion was delayed until recent years. By 2021, US forces had installed missile defense systems and conducted testing of key equipment, including the SPY-1D (V) radar and fire control systems.

The base will play a critical role in protecting NATO allies by identifying, tracking, and intercepting potential missile threats, contributing to the alliance’s broader defense capabilities in Europe.