NATO to develop by 2010 system to meet missile threats

Brussels, July 9 (UNI) Concerned over the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery, NATO proposes to develop by 2010 the capability to protect deployed troops against short and medium range ballistic missiles by intercepting them in the boost, mid-course and final phases.

"This active layered theatre ballistic missile system will also have the capability to counter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and other aerial theatres," a senior NATO official told a visiting group of Indian journalists here.

He said NATO was also examining options for protecting Alliance forces, territory and populations against the full range of missile threats. This full-scale missile defence effort was initiated by NATO Heads of State and Government at the 2002 Prague Summit, which agreed on a new Missile Defence Feasibility Study.

The official said NATO was putting into place a series of measures to help improve the military capabilities of its members. Aimed at ensuring that the Alliance could fulfil its present and future operational commitments and fight new threats such as terrorism and the spread of WMDs, these efforts build on a comprehensive array of measures taken since the end of the Cold War to adopt the Alliance to new challenges.

"This is particularly important as NATO takes on new missions in farway places like Afghanistan, which require forces that reach farther, faster, can stay in the field longer and can still undertake the most demanding operations, if need be," he added.

Furthermore, these forces must be properly equipped and protected for the dangerous missions they undertake.

The EU official said plans for an Alliance ground surveillance capability had moved forward and would provide situational awareness before and during NATO operations.

UNI AT VA RN1201