Washington officially offered to base a radar network in the Czech Republic January 20, and announced plans last Monday to start formal talks with Poland on the deployment of anti-ballistic missile systems on its territory. The U.S. has repeatedly argued the defenses in Europe could intercept possible intercontinental ballistic missiles from "rogue" regimes, such as Iran and North Korea.
"We have long been aware of these plans of the United States," said Sergei Ivanov, who is also deputy prime minister. "I would not rush to respond [to the plans], as our strategic nuclear forces are capable of ensuring Russia's security in any scenario."
Ivanov earlier said Russia's Topol-M ground-based missile complexes reliably overcame any missile defense systems. Russia currently has five missile regiments equipped with silo-based Topol-M missiles, and one regiment equipped with mobile Topol-M systems.
But Russia has always strongly opposed the deployment of an anti-missile shield in Central Europe, describing the plans as a threat to Russian security.
Russia's Space Forces commander, Colonel General Vladimir Popovkin, said Monday the deployment was dangerous for Russia as "our strategic nuclear forces will be visible" as a result.
Ivanov said Washington had already made the decision on the matter, and that current talks with Poland and the Czech Republic were a mere formality. He added the two countries, Russia's former Communist bloc allies and now NATO members, would be glad to demonstrate their loyalty.
Officials in both countries have admitted the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system is a sensitive issue for their citizens, but said national security interests should prevail.
But Ivanov, now in India preparing for President Vladimir Putin's visit, again dismissed the argument that the American defenses were designed to protect the U.S. and Europe saying that Iran and North Korea did not have intercontinental ballistic missiles.
"Neither North Korean nor Iranian missiles can reach Europe," he said.
Ivanov earlier said the countries would not have any in the foreseeable future.
If the Czech Republic agrees, the radar can begin operating in 2011.
