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The United States" decision to deploy a...
designed to protect Eastern and Central Europe from Iran"s possible missile strikes. SM-3s can intercept medium-range Iranian missiles (Shahab-4 and Shahab-5 with respective ranges of 2,800 km and 4,300 km) either in midcourse or at the terminal phase.A European system built around ground- and sea-based SM-3 missiles presents no threat to Russian nuclear forces. SM-3s to be stationed in Poland and Romania, as well as in the Baltic and Black Seas, are incapable of intercepting Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Then why is Russia concerned? First, because the U.S. adopted this decision, which affects the general European picture, without consulting Russia. Second, an overall configuration of anti-missile defenses in Europe is neither finalized nor frozen although the U.S. abandoned deployment of GBI missiles in Poland and the radar station in the Czech Republic.
At the same time, the U.S. is clearly shifting its gaze to southern Europe and Turkey.
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