US names Boeing as "logical" missile defence choice

BRUSSELS, Mar 1 (Reuters) Boeing Co would be a logical choice to lead the interceptor part of a planned US defence missile shield in eastern Europe, the head of the Pentagon's Missile Defence Agency today said.

''Boeing is a logical nomination to be the lead for the interceptor site. But we will compete contracts,'' Air Force Lieutenant-General Henry Obering told a news briefing after talks at NATO in Brussels.

Obering also said that as part of plans for the shield, which Russian officials have denounced as U.S. aggression, the United States would like to place radar technology somewhere in the Caucasus, but did not specify where.

Reuters SY DB2354