Secretary General in London: Missile Defence - A Critical Capability

  • 15 Jun. 2011 -
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  • Last updated: 16 Jun. 2011 12:35

On 15 June 2011, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told an expert audience at the Royal United Services Institute in London that the development of a NATO ballistic missile defence capability is vital for the defence of the Alliance.

Keynote address by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the twelfth RUSI Missile Defence Conference in London.

On 15 June 2011, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told an expert audience at the Royal United Services Institute in London that the development of a NATO ballistic missile defence capability is vital for the defence of the Alliance. 

Over 30 states either already have, or are developing missile technology. These missiles can be fitted with conventional warheads or with weapons of mass destruction”, Mr Fogh Rasmussen said. 

We cannot ignore these trends. We cannot afford to have even one of our cities hit. We cannot take the risk of doing nothing. Missile threats are real. And our defence must be real”. 

The Secretary General emphasised the importance of transatlantic cooperation for the development of a missile defence architecture that can protect both European and American territories and populations.

It is a strong signal that European and North America are committed to transatlanic security. It will bind them closer together. It achieves economies of scale. It offers far better protection than if Allies deployed their assets on a purely national basis”. 

The Secretary General also stressed that cooperation in this area is a great opportunity for the Alliance and Russia to advance their relationship as they both face similar missile threats. 

What does not make sense is for Russia to talk about spending billions of rubels of a new offensive system to target the West. This type of rhetoric is unncessary. This type of thinking is out of date. This type of investment is a waste of money. We are not a threat to Russia”. 

Mr Fogh Rasmussen said that “the best guarantee for Russia is to be part of the process.  And to be connected to the system. This is the best way to enhance transparency and confidence". Practical NATO - Russia cooperation on missile defence could envisage the setting-up of a joint centre to assess ballistic missile threats, share early warning data and exchange information, Fogh Rasmussen said. It will however not entail the development of a single missile defence system.

Russia says it wants quarantees. We can give these by agreeing that our systems will not undermine the strategic balance. That they will strenghten each others security – and not weaken it”, Fogh Rasmussen said. 

He concluded that "it could be a real game-changer in the way NATO and Russia deliver Euro-Atlantic security.  We could build security with each other, rather than against each other.  Our past was divided through fear and suspicion.  Our future can be shared through cooperation and confidence".