Business Insider:
NATO takes command of a U.S.-built missile shield in Europe on Friday, after France won assurances that the multi-billion-dollar system would not be under Washington’s direct control.
The missile shield, billed as a defense against any strike by a “rogue state” against European cities, is one of the most sensitive aspects of the United States’ military support for Europe. Russia says the system is in fact intended by Washington to blunt its nuclear arsenal, which the U.S. denies.
“Leaders will agree that missile defense is initially operational,” a NATO official said, referring to the alliance summit under way in Warsaw on Friday.
“This means U.S. ships based in Spain, a radar in Turkey and the missile defense base in Romania can work together under NATO command.”
A second NATO official confirmed that, saying “the conditions are met” to put the shield system under a NATO flag.
Russia is incensed at such a show of force by its Cold War rival in formerly communist-ruled eastern Europe.
Washington hopes handing over control to the multinational NATO alliance can calm Russian fears. European NATO members states are seen as having nothing to gain by provoking Russia, their major energy supplier.
