Aegis Ashore off duty in Romania to remove, THAAD expand
Currently, the United States and NATO in general are refining one of the objects of missile defense in Eastern Europe. The Aegis Ashore complex at the Romanian base of Deveselu is temporarily removed from duty, and to replace it, a THAAD system of a similar purpose has been deployed. Such events attract the attention of a number of countries and raise the expected questions. How will replacing one missile defense system with another affect the situation in the region? What should interested countries do?
At the beginning of spring, it became known that the United States and NATO are planning to carry out certain work at the Aegis Ashore complex, located at the Demeselu Romanian base. In April, these data received official confirmation, then some details of future work became known. Finally, May 17 reported on the official deployment of the US Army about the start of the deployment of the THAAD complex.
Complex Aegis Ashore based on Deveselu
The Aegis Ashor complex was deployed and placed on duty in Romania in 2014-16. For the past few years, he has been on combat duty and is working on the tracking of potentially dangerous objects. In accordance with the plans of the US and NATO command, this object must be repaired and modernized. For this, it will have to be removed from duty for several weeks.
Details of the necessary upgrades were not specified. Probably, the restoration of technical readiness, the replacement of various components, as well as software updates are envisaged. The lack of information about the goals and objectives of the current modernization leads to the appearance of the most daring versions, including those that turn into accusations.
Not wanting to leave the eastern direction without a missile defense, the United States organized a replacement for the withdrawn complex Aegis Ashore. On the same base deployed mobile complex THAAD. By its characteristics and capabilities, it differs markedly from Aegis Ashor, but at the same time it can provide a solution to the tasks. In addition, its transfer and deployment does not require much time.
At the moment, the stationary complex Aegis Ashore is “turned off” and serviced. Combat duty instead is carried by mobile THAAD. This state of affairs will persist for at least several weeks. In the future, the upgraded Aegis Ashor will be returned to duty, and THAAD should be curtailed and returned to its permanent location.
Russia constantly criticized US plans to deploy missile defense systems in Eastern Europe. Each step of the United States and NATO in this direction caused a certain reaction. Back in April, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Grushko commented on the situation at the Deveselu base. The diplomat noted the characteristic features of the observed situation, and also asked uncomfortable questions.
The deputy minister recalled the statements of recent years: the United States and NATO have constantly said that Eastern European missile defense facilities do not pose a threat to Russian nuclear forces. However, now the question arises about the essence of the modernization of the complex Aegis Ashore. Now the United States is engaged in the improvement of its anti-missile technologies, and it is believed that the US missile defense system should ensure the interception of Russian weapons. This also applies to complexes in Eastern Europe.
Also A. Grushko raised the topic of service life. Since “there is nothing more permanent than temporary”, the question arises: how long will THAAD stay in Romania, and what tasks will be assigned to it. With all these questions, Russia intends to follow the actions of foreign partners.
The current situation around missile defense systems based on Deveselu can be divided into two main questions. The first concerns the prospects of the stationary complex being modernized, and the second concerns the recently deployed mobile. Careful consideration of these two issues allows us to present the implications of ongoing work, as well as to determine a strategy for further action.
The THAAD complex, which serves as a temporary replacement, can hardly be considered a serious threat to Russian strategic weapons and, as a result, to our national interests. This system is designed to hit the warheads of ballistic missiles on the downward part of the trajectory. Interception range - 200 km, height - up to 150 km. The maximum speed of a ballistic target, according to various sources, does not exceed 3,5-4 km / s.
A deployed THAAD battery may pose a certain danger to Russian weapons, but it should not be overestimated. The specificity of the use of Russian percussion means and missile defense system allows you to do without particular concern. At the very least, Russia has a large selection of offensive weapons, some of which are not subject to the risks of interception by the THAAD system.
At the same time, the modernization of the stationary complex Aegis Ashore is a serious cause for concern. The US side is not in a hurry to disclose its goals and objectives, which in itself is a destabilizing factor. In addition, there are constantly suspicions about the presence of Aegis Ashor special opportunities. Old suspicions and data on new modernization become the basis for clear conclusions.
The deployment process of the complex THAAD. The fighters are busy assembling the command post
The Aegis Ashore complex, in its essence, is a set of initially shipborne facilities mounted on a land structure. It includes the Mk 41 universal launcher used by ships to launch a wide range of missiles for various purposes. There is a plausible version that the Aegis Eshor retains such capabilities and can use not only antimissiles, but also Tomahawk-type percussion systems.
This is contrary to the conditions of the suspended INF Treaty, and also poses a direct threat to the interests of Russia. The United States in every way deny the possibility of using Tomahawks at Aegis Ashore facilities, but the Russian leadership is not inclined to believe this.
Under current conditions, the most varied versions have the right to life, including those that provide risks for our country. So, it cannot be excluded that the current modernization of Aegis Ashore based on Deveselu, as A. Grushko previously pointed out, is aimed at improving the combat characteristics of the complex, and after its completion this facility will become more dangerous for our nuclear forces.
Since the United States intends to withdraw from the INF Treaty, the upgrade may include ensuring Aegis Ashhor’s compatibility with cruise missiles. In this case, dangerously close to the Russian borders turns out to be a powerful first-strike weapon, representing a threat to our interests.
In order not to be in a difficult situation, it is necessary to take into account the actions of foreign countries and take the necessary measures. The current situation suggests the appearance in Romania of not only missile defense, but also the means to deliver a strike. In this case, facilities based on Deveselu can be dangerous not only for the Russian SNF.
Methods of dealing with new threats are quite understandable and even obvious. At the official level, it has been repeatedly said that NATO's missile defense facilities in Eastern Europe risk becoming a priority target for Russian attack systems. In addition, our country has weapons capable of breaking through such defenses.
It is worth remembering about the complex THAAD. It is deployed temporarily, but in the future it can be transferred to permanent duty. In this case, his task will be the missile defense of the stationary complex. This will in a known way make it more difficult to fight against NATO objects, but it will not make it impossible.
The armament of the Aegis Ashore complex with cruise missiles represents a serious threat to Russia. At the same time, you can fight it. Our country has a developed echeloned air defense system in the western direction, which can detect the attack in time and repel it without incurring serious losses.
Thus, Russia is ready for negative ABM development scenarios based on Deveselu. If the threat from these objects intensifies and acquires new forms, the Russian army will be able to quickly adapt to such changes and organize the required response. However, a less severe scenario is possible, in which the Aegis Ashore complex is modernized without the introduction of new functions, THAAD is removed from duty and returned to its base, and the situation as a whole will return to its previous form. However, the exact scenario of future events remains unknown, and therefore Russia must be prepared for any actions of foreign countries.
NATO actions
At the beginning of spring, it became known that the United States and NATO are planning to carry out certain work at the Aegis Ashore complex, located at the Demeselu Romanian base. In April, these data received official confirmation, then some details of future work became known. Finally, May 17 reported on the official deployment of the US Army about the start of the deployment of the THAAD complex.
Complex Aegis Ashore based on Deveselu
The Aegis Ashor complex was deployed and placed on duty in Romania in 2014-16. For the past few years, he has been on combat duty and is working on the tracking of potentially dangerous objects. In accordance with the plans of the US and NATO command, this object must be repaired and modernized. For this, it will have to be removed from duty for several weeks.
Details of the necessary upgrades were not specified. Probably, the restoration of technical readiness, the replacement of various components, as well as software updates are envisaged. The lack of information about the goals and objectives of the current modernization leads to the appearance of the most daring versions, including those that turn into accusations.
Not wanting to leave the eastern direction without a missile defense, the United States organized a replacement for the withdrawn complex Aegis Ashore. On the same base deployed mobile complex THAAD. By its characteristics and capabilities, it differs markedly from Aegis Ashor, but at the same time it can provide a solution to the tasks. In addition, its transfer and deployment does not require much time.
At the moment, the stationary complex Aegis Ashore is “turned off” and serviced. Combat duty instead is carried by mobile THAAD. This state of affairs will persist for at least several weeks. In the future, the upgraded Aegis Ashor will be returned to duty, and THAAD should be curtailed and returned to its permanent location.
The reaction of Russia
Russia constantly criticized US plans to deploy missile defense systems in Eastern Europe. Each step of the United States and NATO in this direction caused a certain reaction. Back in April, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Grushko commented on the situation at the Deveselu base. The diplomat noted the characteristic features of the observed situation, and also asked uncomfortable questions.
The deputy minister recalled the statements of recent years: the United States and NATO have constantly said that Eastern European missile defense facilities do not pose a threat to Russian nuclear forces. However, now the question arises about the essence of the modernization of the complex Aegis Ashore. Now the United States is engaged in the improvement of its anti-missile technologies, and it is believed that the US missile defense system should ensure the interception of Russian weapons. This also applies to complexes in Eastern Europe.
Also A. Grushko raised the topic of service life. Since “there is nothing more permanent than temporary”, the question arises: how long will THAAD stay in Romania, and what tasks will be assigned to it. With all these questions, Russia intends to follow the actions of foreign partners.
Almost safe
The current situation around missile defense systems based on Deveselu can be divided into two main questions. The first concerns the prospects of the stationary complex being modernized, and the second concerns the recently deployed mobile. Careful consideration of these two issues allows us to present the implications of ongoing work, as well as to determine a strategy for further action.
The THAAD complex, which serves as a temporary replacement, can hardly be considered a serious threat to Russian strategic weapons and, as a result, to our national interests. This system is designed to hit the warheads of ballistic missiles on the downward part of the trajectory. Interception range - 200 km, height - up to 150 km. The maximum speed of a ballistic target, according to various sources, does not exceed 3,5-4 km / s.
A deployed THAAD battery may pose a certain danger to Russian weapons, but it should not be overestimated. The specificity of the use of Russian percussion means and missile defense system allows you to do without particular concern. At the very least, Russia has a large selection of offensive weapons, some of which are not subject to the risks of interception by the THAAD system.
Main risk
At the same time, the modernization of the stationary complex Aegis Ashore is a serious cause for concern. The US side is not in a hurry to disclose its goals and objectives, which in itself is a destabilizing factor. In addition, there are constantly suspicions about the presence of Aegis Ashor special opportunities. Old suspicions and data on new modernization become the basis for clear conclusions.
The deployment process of the complex THAAD. The fighters are busy assembling the command post
The Aegis Ashore complex, in its essence, is a set of initially shipborne facilities mounted on a land structure. It includes the Mk 41 universal launcher used by ships to launch a wide range of missiles for various purposes. There is a plausible version that the Aegis Eshor retains such capabilities and can use not only antimissiles, but also Tomahawk-type percussion systems.
This is contrary to the conditions of the suspended INF Treaty, and also poses a direct threat to the interests of Russia. The United States in every way deny the possibility of using Tomahawks at Aegis Ashore facilities, but the Russian leadership is not inclined to believe this.
Under current conditions, the most varied versions have the right to life, including those that provide risks for our country. So, it cannot be excluded that the current modernization of Aegis Ashore based on Deveselu, as A. Grushko previously pointed out, is aimed at improving the combat characteristics of the complex, and after its completion this facility will become more dangerous for our nuclear forces.
Since the United States intends to withdraw from the INF Treaty, the upgrade may include ensuring Aegis Ashhor’s compatibility with cruise missiles. In this case, dangerously close to the Russian borders turns out to be a powerful first-strike weapon, representing a threat to our interests.
Response actions
In order not to be in a difficult situation, it is necessary to take into account the actions of foreign countries and take the necessary measures. The current situation suggests the appearance in Romania of not only missile defense, but also the means to deliver a strike. In this case, facilities based on Deveselu can be dangerous not only for the Russian SNF.
Methods of dealing with new threats are quite understandable and even obvious. At the official level, it has been repeatedly said that NATO's missile defense facilities in Eastern Europe risk becoming a priority target for Russian attack systems. In addition, our country has weapons capable of breaking through such defenses.
It is worth remembering about the complex THAAD. It is deployed temporarily, but in the future it can be transferred to permanent duty. In this case, his task will be the missile defense of the stationary complex. This will in a known way make it more difficult to fight against NATO objects, but it will not make it impossible.
The armament of the Aegis Ashore complex with cruise missiles represents a serious threat to Russia. At the same time, you can fight it. Our country has a developed echeloned air defense system in the western direction, which can detect the attack in time and repel it without incurring serious losses.
Russia is ready for negative scenarios
Thus, Russia is ready for negative ABM development scenarios based on Deveselu. If the threat from these objects intensifies and acquires new forms, the Russian army will be able to quickly adapt to such changes and organize the required response. However, a less severe scenario is possible, in which the Aegis Ashore complex is modernized without the introduction of new functions, THAAD is removed from duty and returned to its base, and the situation as a whole will return to its previous form. However, the exact scenario of future events remains unknown, and therefore Russia must be prepared for any actions of foreign countries.
- Ryabov Kirill
- US Army / dvidshub.net, News.usni.org
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