Ballistic missile defence

Last updated: 01 Aug. 2024 17:21

Many countries in proximity to NATO territory possess ballistic missiles, or are trying to develop or acquire them. The devastating impact of these weapons has been made clear throughout Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. NATO Ballistic Missile Defence (NATO BMD) is one of the Alliance’s permanent missions, as a component of NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence. NATO BMD is strictly defensive and contributes to NATO’s core task of deterrence and defence. BMD capabilities are an essential part of NATO’s strategic mix, along with conventional forces and nuclear deterrence, complemented by space and cyber capabilities.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2013, construction started on the Aegis Ashore at the Deveselu Military Base in Romania, which will be operational in the 2015 timeframe. An additional Aegis Ashore will be operational in Poland in the 2018 timeframe. Enhanced interceptors and associated software will be deployed in 2015 timeframe (SM-3 IB) and the 2018 timeframe (SM-3 IIA).

US Aegis Ashore BMD site at the Deveselu military base in Romania

NATO has a responsibility to protect its European populations, territory and forces from increasing threats posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles.
In 2010, Allies decided to develop an expanded BMD capability to pursue NATO's core task of deterrence and defence.
In July 2016, Allies declared Initial Operational Capability of NATO BMD, which provides an enhanced capability to defend NATO populations, territory and forces across the south-eastern part of the Alliance from a potential ballistic missile attack.
Since then, the Alliance has continued to develop the NATO BMD capability. At the 2024 Washington Summit, Allies declared Enhanced Operational Capability of NATO BMD, demonstrating the progress achieved in strengthening the BMD mission. They also underlined their commitment to further develop these capabilities.
The NATO BMD capability combines commonly funded assets – in particular, command and control – and voluntary contributions provided by several Allies, especially the US European Phased Adaptive Approach.
A number of Allies have already offered their contributions or are undergoing development or acquisition of additional BMD assets, such as upgraded ships with BMD-capable radars, ground-based air and missile defence systems or advanced detection capabilities.

Why is ballistic missile defence important?

The aim of NATO BMD is to provide full coverage and protection for all NATO European populations, territory and forces against the increasing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles. For example, over the last decade, Allies have continuously voiced concerns about Iran’s intensified missile tests, and the range and precision of its ballistic missiles.

NATO BMD is based on the principles of indivisibility of Allied security and NATO solidarity, and the equitable sharing of risks and burdens. It also takes into account the level of threat, affordability and technical feasibility, and is in line with the latest common threat assessments agreed by Allies.

Effective ballistic missile defence capabilities make hostile planning more complicated for potential adversaries. In times of crisis, they also give civilian and military leaders more time to determine an appropriate response to a threat. Ballistic missile defence can complement – but not substitute for – the role of nuclear weapons in deterrence.

Components

NATO BMD is based on voluntary national contributions, including nationally funded interceptors and sensors, and hosting arrangements. It is also based on the command and control systems backbone delivered through the NATO BMD Programme, which is commonly funded by all Allies.

National contributions to NATO BMD:

Germany hosts the NATO BMD command centre at Ramstein Air Base.
The United States contributes to NATO BMD through its European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA).
Türkiye hosts a US BMD radar at Kürecik.
Romania hosts a US Aegis Ashore site at Deveselu Air Base.
Poland hosts another US Aegis Ashore site at the Redzikowo military base.
Additionally, in the context of the EPAA, Spain hosts four multi-mission BMD-capable US Aegis ships at its naval base in Rota, for use of the NATO BMD mission when required.

Several Allies offer additional integrated air and missile defence systems (such as Patriot or SAMP/T) or ships. Other Allies are also developing or acquiring BMD-capable assets, such as sensors, which could be made available for NATO BMD.

Mechanisms

The Integrated Air and Missile Defence Policy Committee (IAMD PC) is the senior committee under the North Atlantic Council that oversees and coordinates all efforts at the political-military level to develop the NATO BMD capability. It also provides political-military advice on NATO BMD to the North Atlantic Council, as part of its overall mandate related to policy aspects of NATO IAMD.

The Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) is the senior committee responsible for steering the BMD programme, aimed at developing the necessary command and control functionalities for NATO BMD.

NATO Military Authorities are responsible for developing a military doctrinal framework for BMD and related operational planning, training and execution.

Several other NATO senior committees address NATO BMD in the context of broader topics, such as civil preparedness and crisis management.

Timeline

May 2001
NATO launches two parallel feasibility studies for a future Alliance Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) system.

November 2002
At the 2002 Prague Summit, Allied Leaders task a missile defence feasibility study to examine options for protecting Alliance forces, territory and populations against the full range of ballistic missile threats.

April 2006
The study concludes that a territorial ballistic missile defence capability is technically feasible.

April 2008
At the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Allied Leaders agree that the deployment of European-based US BMD assets should be an integral part of any future NATO-wide missile defence architecture.

September 2009
The United States announces a plan for its European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA).

November 2010
At the 2010 Lisbon Summit, Allied Heads of State and Government agree to address air and missile defence in a holistic way by developing a NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD) framework, including the development of a territorial BMD capability. Prior to this, NATO’s BMD efforts were focused on Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) – that is, BMD designed to protect armed forces deployed to a theatre of operation. The shift to territorial BMD represents a broader effort to defend NATO forces, populations and territory in Europe. In this context, the EPAA and other national contributions are welcomed as valuable components of the NATO BMD architecture.

September 2011
Türkiye announces a decision to host a US-owned missile defence radar as part of the NATO BMD capability.

September 2011
Romania and the United States sign an agreement to host a US Aegis Ashore system in Romania as part of NATO's BMD capability.

September 2011
An agreement between Poland and the United States on hosting a US Aegis Ashore system in Poland enters into force.

October 2011
Spain and the United States announce an agreement to host US Aegis ships in the port of Rota, Spain, as another US contribution to NATO's ballistic missile defence capability.

April 2012
NATO successfully installs and tests the command and control architecture at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany.

May 2012
At the 2012 Chicago Summit, the Alliance declares the achievement of the Interim NATO BMD Capability, which is an operationally significant first step. Allies also endorse a Deterrence and Defence Posture Review, which states that missile defence can complement the role of nuclear weapons in deterrence; it cannot substitute for them.

2013-2014
Between 2003 and 2013, in the framework of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC), NATO and Russia engage in discussions related to Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD), including assessing possible levels of interoperability among TBMD systems of NATO Allies and Russia. In 2013, Russia unilaterally suspends discussions on missile defence in the NRC framework. In response to the illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, NATO suspends all practical cooperation with Russia, including on ballistic missile defence.

2014
First US Aegis destroyer stationed in Rota, Spain in February; second US Aegis destroyer stationed in Rota in June.

2015
Third US Aegis destroyer stationed in Rota in April; fourth US Aegis destroyer stationed in Rota in September.

May 2016
The Aegis Ashore site in Deveselu, Romania is declared operational.

July 2016
At the 2016 Warsaw Summit, Allies declare the achievement of Initial Operational Capability of NATO BMD, which provides an enhanced capability to defend NATO populations, territory and forces across the south-eastern part of the Alliance from a potential ballistic missile attack.

July 2018
At the 2018 Brussels Summit, Allied Leaders confirm that the next major milestone will be the completion of the core element of NATO BMD Command and Control, to enhance the planning and execution of BMD operations. They also acknowledge that further work will be required to reach Full Operational Capability.

June 2022
At the 2022 Madrid Summit, Allied Heads of State and Government adopt the NATO 2022 Strategic Concept, the key policy document guiding the Alliance’s activities, including BMD. In reference to the new and changed strategic environment, the Strategic Concept notes that “authoritarian actors challenge our interests, values and democratic way of life. They are investing in sophisticated conventional, nuclear and missile capabilities, with little transparency or regard for international norms and commitments”. The Strategic Concept, therefore, emphasises that “NATO’s deterrence and defence posture is based on an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber capabilities. It is defensive, proportionate and fully in line with our international commitments”.

July 2024
At the 2024 Washington Summit, Allied Leaders declare the Enhanced Operational Capability of NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and welcome the delivery of the Aegis Ashore site Redzikowo, Poland, which complements existing BMD assets in Romania, Spain and Türkiye, marking the completion of the US EPAA.

Topics

Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD)

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- How does NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense work? 13 Jun. 2023

High resolution photos

- NATO Ballistic Missile Defence The aim of a NATO missile defence capability is to provide full coverage and protection for all NATO European populations, territory and forces against the increasing threats posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles
- NATO Ballistic Missile Defence 12 May. 2008 ...based on the principles of the indivisibility of Allied security and NATO solidarity, equitable sharing of risks and burdens, as well as reasonable challenge, taking into account the level of threat, affordability and technical feasibility, and in accordance with the latest common threat assessments agreed by the Alliance. To this end, we have decided that the scope of NATO's current Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (ALTBMD) programme's command, control and communications capabilities will be expanded beyond the protection of NATO deployed forces to also protect NATO European populations, territory and forces. (Article 36-37, Lisbon Summit declaration, issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Lisbon on 20 November 2010.)
- Space-based Early Warning The space-based early warning capability allows the early detection of missile launches through the detection of the heat signature of the missile's rocket motor engine as it burns its fuel. This early detection is communicated to Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Command Centres within a minute or two of the missile launch.
- Land- and sea based sensors Once the hostile missile has exhausted all of its fuel and the engine burns out, thereby losing its heat signature, it is tracked by long-range radars.
- Land- and sea based sensors 23 Mar. 2005 AN/TPY-2 is the world's most advanced mobile radar, is a multi-function, X-band radar designed to search, acquire, track and discriminate threats from non-threats. It is a phased-array radar that delivers high-power output and exceptional beam/waveform agility. When employed in a forward-based mode, the AN/TPY-2 will detect a ballistic missile close to the country of origin. This is the role of the USA TPY-2 deployed in Turkey. The Forward-Based X-band Radar (FBX-T) tracks the object and its flight and reports the data to the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) element. In the terminal mode, the AN/TPY-2 is part of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) integrated weapon system.
- Land- and sea based sensors AN/SPY-1 Radar is the key component of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMDS) manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The passive electronic scanning system is computer controlled, using four complementary antennas in order to provide full 360 degree coverage. It is a multi-function phased-array radar capable of search, automatic detection, transition to track, tracking of air and surface targets, and missile engagement support.
- Interceptor systems Upper Layer Interceptors offer the NATO Commander the first opportunity to intercept hostile missiles. They can conduct intercepts outside and within the upper reaches of the atmosphere. NATOâs final line of defence is provided by lower layer interceptors. These interceptors are designed to destroy hostile ballistic missiles inside the atmosphere.
- Interceptor systems 15 May. 2013 The Raytheon Standard Missile-3 provides a hit to kill upper layer defence capability. The SM-3 Missile is evolving and will provide even more significant defensive capability as enhancements become operational. The combination of naval ships and SM-3 Fulfils NATO's territorial missile defence requirement. Maritime missile defence leverages existing investments in NATO's most advanced naval ships. There are a number of ships in service today capable of employing SM-3, such as the US frigate AEGIS. They can provide territorial missile defence, while maintaining their multi-role capability.
- Interceptor systems SAMP/T is a land-based (and potentially sea-based) 360° air defence system incorporating the Aster 30 missile, designed to provide area defence and point defence for land forces and sensitive sites. The missile is effective against any emerging threats, including short-range ballistic missiles, aircraft, UAVs, helicopters and also the new generation of high-speed stealthy stand-off missiles.
- Interceptor systems Aster is a modular family of vertically launched air defence missiles, designed initially for naval use. France and Italy will modernize the Aster 30 missile (Block 1 New Technology version), the sensors and the Command and Control assets with increased capabilities giving the system the ability to engage up to medium range and manoeuvring ballistic missiles while maintaining its capability to destroy simultaneously any kind of air breathing threat.
- Interceptor systems 10 Oct. 2012 The combat-proven Patriot is the world's most advanced air and missile defence system. With over 200 fire units fielded worldwide, it is a system of choice for 12 nations around the globe, including the U.S. and four NATO nations.
- Interceptor systems 01 Sep. 2014 Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) is a key element of the United States (US) Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMDS) designed to defend US troops, allied forces, population centres, and critical infrastructure. THAAD operates in a unique battle space intercepting both endo- and exo-atmospheric short-to-intermediate range ballistic missiles. This ground-based missile defence system is rapidly deployable with high-mobility, providing proven capability to Combatant Commanders worldwide.
- Interim NATO BMD and next steps The US navy forward deployed four Aegis BMD capable ships to Rota, Spain. The USS Donald Cook arrived in Feb 2014 and was followed by three other ships (the USS Ross, the USS Porter and the USS Carney), in summer 2014, spring 2015 and fall 2015, respectively. These multi-mission U.S. Navy ships performed a myriad of tasks, including NATO BMD, the full spectrum of maritime security operations, bi-lateral and multi-lateral training exercises, and other non-BMD NATO operations and deployments. When warranted based on threat assessments and indications and warning, any of the 4 ships can be transferred to NATO command and control.
- Interim NATO BMD and next steps 13 Feb. 2014 The US Aegis Ashore BMD site at the Deveselu Military Base in Romania has been transferred under NATO command and control in 2016. It contributes to the permanent mission of NATO BMD. An additional Aegis Ashore BMD site will be operational in Poland in 2020/2021 timeframe.