What are the implications for NATO regarding ballistic missile defense?
Bob Hunter: More emphasis on shorter-range threats, including against forces in the field. More work within NATO on a BMD package, possibly including Russia — i.e., in relation to NATO Secretary General Rasmussen’s speech. More support by West European states. J.D. Bindenagel: NATO needs to continue to develop missile defense into a functioning system as long as there are missiles. Politicians on all sides need to ensure NATO has the political will to continue and the resources to make defense work. A strategy based on non-functioning weapons systems will not work. General (retd) Klaus Naumann: I expect that the USG will launch a new initiative for a common funded and common operated theater ballistic missile defense system that could be linked to the existing US systems that protect the US homeland. Moreover, such a NATO system should be capable of defending NATO forces deployed beyond the NTA and it could be used for cooperation with Russia as suggested by Secretary General Rasmusse
