Deveselu missile defence shield, officially inaugurated and operational

Completed in December 2015, Deveselu base has became operational on Thursday. The inauguration took place in the presence of PM Dacian Cioloş, of the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenber, and of US Deputy Secretary of Defence Robert Work. All components have already been installed and tested. The investments in Deveselu, Olt County, amount to approximately USD 800 million. The missile shield in Romania – the so-called Aegis Ashore system – aims at protecting the North Atlantic allies against with short and medium-range missiles attacks that could come mainly from the Middle East. But Russia sees in this action a direct threat to its security, which NATO denies, however. It will be officially integrated into NATO missile defence system by the NATO Summit in July.

PM Ciolos: An important moment both for Romania and the US

“The facility at Deveselu fully observes the provisions of the UN Charter, and it isn’t targeted against anyone in particular; it is a means exclusively for legitimate defence against ballistic missile threats, at the same time strengthening NATO’s ballistic missile defence capability and expanding the cover and protection area for the southern and central allied states in Europe, significantly reducing the risk of some possible ballistic attacks from outside the Euro-Atlantic space,” PM Ciolos said at the inauguration of the Aegis Ashore missile defence system at Deveselu.

Ciolos said this event is a very important moment, “both for Romania and the United States of America, as well as the North Atlantic Alliance and the European security overall,” because the security environment continues to be threatened.

“The security environment continues to face challenges, threats and risks in the European and Euro-Atlantic space. In the eastern neighbourhood, we see both the perpetration of frozen conflicts and the emergence of new conflicts, which confirms (…) the strategic importance of the Black Sea region in the equation of Euro-Atlantic security and stability. In the southern proximity, on the grounds of instability from the Middle East and Northern Africa we are witnessing unprecedented widening of uncontrolled migration doubled by terrorist threats and the spread to Europe of security risks related to ISIL-Daesh,” said Ciolos.

According to him, the project implements the vision proposed under Romania’s National Defence Strategy and “proves once more that Romania is a predictable player and a trustworthy ally.”

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: Important contribution to NATO missile defence

“I want to thank the United States government and military for your strong commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. And for their important contribution to NATO missile defence.

That includes the skilled sailors and soldiers stationed here. Your dedication and professionalism are helping to keep our nations safe. I also want to thank the Romanian government and people for the contribution you are making to our collective defence in hosting this site. (…) Our missile defence programme represents a long-term investment against a long-term threat.

We have been building the system for the last six years, because we need to be prepared.

And we are making steady progress.

As the name suggests, the capability we have developed is purely defensive. This is important. NATO missile defence in no way undermines or weakens Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrent. This site in Romania – as well as the one in Poland– are not directed against Russia.”

US Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work

“As we work to address the common challenges we face, we do so with the confidence that Romania is a steadfast Ally upon which we know we can depend – as you have demonstrated by your actions again and again.  Let me tell you, that dedication and commitment does not go unnoticed by the United States. Romania understands the importance of modernizing its military and continues to dedicate significant resources towards that goal as well as contributing towards NATO and other missions.  I want to commend the Romanian government on its pledge to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2017.  Romania is one of the highest contributors to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, where 650 Romanian troops currently serve, and was one of the first partners to offer support in the Counter-ISIL Coalition.   Romania also contributes to global and regional peacekeeping missions and operations such as KFOR in Kosovo, EUFOR in Bosnia Herzegovina, and has been a key leader in the Black Sea region.”

Admiral Mark Fergusson, US Naval Forces Europe: The system has been tested

“Today, this site joins the four U.S. Guided Missile Destroyers in Rota, Spain in reaching Phase II of the European Phased Adaptive Approach.  As we cut the ribbon, the watchteams are trained and ready, the system has been tested, and we are now in the progress of integrating this site into the NATO integrated Air and Missile Defense Architecture.

Phase II will be accomplished in less than six years from the 2010 Lisbon Summit, underscoring the commitment of the United States to Romania and NATO.  My personal thanks to the Chief of Defense, General Cuica, and all of you who supported our joint efforts,” Admiral Mark Fergusson, Commander of US Naval Forces Europe  said.