Biden Announces New Air Defense Support for Ukraine at NATO Summit

 

At the NATO summit marking the alliance's 75th anniversary, President Joe Biden announced a new agreement with four countries to supply additional air defense systems to Ukraine, a crucial need as Kyiv defends against Russian missile attacks.

Speaking from the historic Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., where the original North Atlantic Treaty was signed, Biden described the agreement as a “historic donation of air defense equipment for Ukraine.” He detailed that the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy will provide Ukraine with equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems over the next few months.

“The United States and our partners intend to provide Ukraine with dozens of additional tactical air defense systems,” Biden added. The U.S., Germany, and Romania will supply additional Patriot batteries, the Netherlands will contribute Patriot components, and Italy will donate a SAMP-T system.

The five countries stated they are working on a “further announcement this year of additional strategic air defense systems for Ukraine.” They also plan to supply Ukraine with numerous tactical air defense systems, including NASAMS, HAWKs, IRIS T-SLM, IRIS T-SLS, and Gepard systems.

This announcement follows the U.S.'s recent move to prioritize Ukraine for Patriot and NASAM interceptors. “Ukraine will receive hundreds of additional interceptors over the next year, helping protect Ukrainian cities and troops,” Biden said. Many of these interceptors will be delivered by the end of summer, with Ukraine taking precedence over other countries, except Taiwan and Israel, which will not face delays.

Biden's announcement came a day after a devastating Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s largest children's hospital, which killed at least 31 people and wounded over 150 in five Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is attending the summit in Washington, confirmed the attack.

More security packages for Ukraine from other NATO member countries are expected to be announced during the summit. “Together we’ve built a global coalition to stand with Ukraine,” said Biden, highlighting the collective economic, humanitarian, and military support provided to Ukraine, including tanks, armored vehicles, air defense systems, long-range missiles, and millions of munitions.

Biden concluded by noting that the United States and nearly two dozen allied partners have signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.

Ukraine to Receive Patriot Air Defense Systems from Netherlands, Romania, and Germany Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

Ukraine is poised to receive three Patriot air defense systems and several other defense systems and missiles from Western allies, as announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal.

“Today, we have achieved significant results. Italy will provide us with a second SAMP/T system. Romania will offer one Patriot system. Germany will contribute one Patriot system, along with the IRIS-T system and Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The Netherlands is currently assembling another Patriot system for us,” Shmyhal shared on Ukraine’s Rada TV channel.

Additionally, the prime minister disclosed that the United States will supply Patriot missiles and the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and Norway will also send additional Patriot missiles. Sweden has committed to sending two radar surveillance planes to Ukraine, Shmyhal added.

In early June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv had secured agreements with Western nations for more air defense systems, though specific details were not disclosed. Ukrainian officials frequently express concerns about the shortage of air defense systems and missiles, consistently requesting new supplies from their Western allies.

Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly asserted that new weapons deliveries to Ukraine will not alter the front-line situation but will only prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed this sentiment, stating that any shipments of weapons to Kyiv would be considered legitimate targets by Russia.

Back in June, the United States halted the delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles to prioritize supplying them to Ukraine, as confirmed by U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Kirby noted that this decision would impact allies relying on the U.S. for Patriot missiles, which are not currently in production. The redirected missiles are expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next few weeks, aligning with the arrival of U.S.-made F-16s capable of carrying AMRAAMs.

Facing a shortage of anti-aircraft systems to counter Russia’s persistent attacks, Ukraine is urging its European allies to implement a no-fly zone in the West by deploying air defense systems in nearby Poland and Romania. Kyiv aims to establish a secure area in western Ukraine to protect industries, energy infrastructure, and civilians from recent Russian strikes.

Lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko questioned, “Why doesn’t NATO deploy Patriot systems near the Polish border? Russian missiles have already breached Polish and Romanian airspace. This would safeguard the borders of Poland and Romania, creating a safe zone in the West and South of Ukraine.”

This sentiment was echoed by several Ukrainian civilian and military officials who spoke to AFP in Kyiv during a recent trip organized by the French Institute of International Relations [IFRI] and the local think tank New Europe Center.

Russian Military Aircraft Breach Finnish Airspace

 On June 10, the Finnish Ministry of Defense reported a suspected incursion into Finnish airspace by a Russian military aircraft near Loviisa, a town less than 100 km from Helsinki. This day saw significant Russian air activity, including flights by several Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, escorted by Su-30SM, Su-27, and Su-33 fighters over the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea.

Additionally, German Eurofighter EF-2000 jets stationed in NATO's Latvia were dispatched to intercept two Su-27 fighters and an Il-20 Coot electronic reconnaissance aircraft operating near the Baltic states without prior flight plans or active transponders.

According to the Finnish Ministry of Defense, the Russian aircraft reportedly penetrated 2.5 km (1.55 miles) into Finnish territory before turning back, with the incursion lasting around two minutes. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasized the seriousness of any suspected territorial violation, noting that preliminary investigations are conducted in such cases.

Four days later, the investigation revealed the situation was more serious than initially thought. The Finnish Border Guard Agency, under the Ministry's jurisdiction, discovered that at least three additional aircraft were involved in the breach, totaling four aircraft: two bombers and two fighters. The investigation continues, and final results will be shared upon completion.

Interestingly, the Finnish Air Force, despite deploying four F/A-18 Hornets in Romania under NATO, did not initially respond to this incident. This was not addressed in the Ministry of Defense's first press release. However, back in August 2022, one of their fighter jets intercepted two MiG-31s that briefly entered Finnish airspace, coinciding with Russia's nuclear exercises with Belarus.

Historical Context:

Finland, once part of the Kingdom of Sweden for over 600 years, was ceded to the Russian Empire in 1809, gaining a special autonomous status as a grand duchy. After the Russian Empire's collapse in 1917, Finland declared independence. The Winter War of 1940 tested Finland's independence, with the Soviet Union annexing parts of the country despite Finland's strong defense. This left lasting concerns about potential future conflicts with Russia.

During the Cold War, Finland maintained its independence but could not strongly oppose the Soviet Union, a period known as "Finlandization." After the Soviet Union's fall, Finland joined the European Union and NATO, achieving full political freedom.

Finland has since prepared for potential conflict with Russia, evident in its defense strategy, which includes remote highways set up for fighter jets. This allows for quick mobilization of its air force, assuming regular air bases might be initial targets in a conflict. Finland's "total defense" strategy, according to the Financial Times, showcases a robust Finnish Air Force, currently operating F/A-18 fighter jets soon to be upgraded to advanced F-35 Lightning IIs.

Romania Initiates Major Expansion of Strategic Air Base Near Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

 

The Romanian government has launched a significant expansion and modernization project for the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, situated less than 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This multibillion-euro initiative aims to upgrade the base, which has been hosting U.S. forces since 1999, with new military equipment and infrastructure.

Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr announced the project on June 11 during a ceremony at the base. The expansion includes constructing a new runway, a guard tower, and additional hangars to accommodate existing and future military assets. The total cost is estimated at €2.5 billion (approximately $2.7 billion).

Col. Nicolae Cretu, the base commander, explained that the decision to expand the base stems from Russia's actions in Georgia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014. Romania’s plans for the base have been in place since 2018, well before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Romania is currently focused on acquiring short-range and very-short-range air defense systems, with planned expenditures up to $2.1 billion. Additionally, the country received two more Patriot batteries last year, bringing the total to four, and is participating in the European Sky Shield Initiative to procure up to 1,000 Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T missiles.

The strategic location of the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base has been crucial for Romania and NATO allies, particularly noted during the Iraq war for projecting force over long distances. Recent enhancements have included hosting NATO Enhanced Air Policing missions and the first deployment of Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.

Romanian media suggested the modernization could result in a facility comparable in size to Germany's Ramstein Air Base, though this has not been officially confirmed. With its access to the Black Sea and proximity to Russian territory, the air base remains a pivotal asset for NATO operations in the region.

Ukraine to Station F-16s in NATO Countries Amid Russian Threats

 

As Ukraine prepares to receive its first batch of F-16 Fighting Falcons, it plans to station some of these jets at NATO bases outside of Ukraine to protect them from potential Russian attacks. Serhii Holubtsov, a senior official at the Ukrainian Air Force Command, revealed this strategy in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). He explained that keeping a number of F-16s at secure foreign bases will ensure they are not targeted within Ukraine, serving as a reserve for maintenance and replacement needs.

Holubtsov did not specify the exact number of aircraft to be stationed abroad but emphasized that the availability of trained pilots would determine how many F-16s remain in Ukraine. Several NATO countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, have pledged to supply dozens of F-16s to Ukraine. The first Danish F-16s are expected to arrive this summer, with some Western aircraft remaining at training facilities outside Ukraine for pilot training and other aviation staff.

Holubtsov noted that reserve aircraft at foreign bases would replace damaged ones sent for repairs and be used for pilot training. However, a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) identified bottlenecks in training Ukrainian pilots, with limited capacity at Western training facilities in the US, Denmark, and Romania.

The threat from Russia has escalated with frequent warnings from Moscow. Sergey Shmotyev, Director General of the Russian company Fores, has offered a reward of 15 million rubles ($168,000) for shooting down the first F-16 in Ukraine. Russia maintains that the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine won't significantly alter the conflict, as its long-range missiles can target almost all Ukrainian airfields. Former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu claimed that Russian air defenses could shoot down all F-16s within 20 days of their arrival in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that F-16s would be legitimate targets if used against Russian troops from third-country airfields. This has heightened concerns about escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO. Despite these threats, Putin asserted that Russia has no aggressive intentions towards NATO member states but will destroy any F-16s provided to Ukraine, just as it does with tanks and other military equipment.

While Holubtsov did not confirm whether the F-16s stationed abroad would be used to attack Russia, the strategy underscores Ukraine's cautious approach in safeguarding its new assets.

Ukraine Gets Green Light to Use F-16s for Strikes on Russian Territory

 Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that Ukraine is authorized to use Danish-supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike military targets within Russian territory, provided these actions comply with the rules of war. Speaking on May 30 in Brussels, Rasmussen stressed that as long as the strikes focus on military installations, they remain within international law.

In July 2023, Denmark and the Netherlands formed a "fighter coalition" to support Ukraine, pledging to supply F-16s and offer essential training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians. This decision is part of a broader Western debate about removing restrictions on the use of Western weapons on Russian soil. Despite concerns from Washington and Berlin, Rasmussen emphasized that this initiative is not a "blank check" for indiscriminate attacks but aims to reduce Russia's offensive capabilities.

Russian Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, warned that using Danish weapons on Russian territory could escalate the conflict uncontrollably. Nonetheless, Denmark and several other nations advocate for lifting these restrictions, asserting that Ukraine must defend itself against assaults.

Currently, eleven Western countries, including France, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, have agreed to permit Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory using their arms. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also endorsed this approach after discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons "within international law" against Russian military bases.

The Danish F-16s, acquired in the 1980s, are advanced multirole fighter jets known for their versatility and sophisticated avionics. They can carry various weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The F-16s, powered by either Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 turbofan engines, achieve speeds over Mach 2 and have a combat radius of about 340 miles with internal fuel, extendable with external tanks and aerial refueling.

Earlier this week, Belgium announced it would supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets, with the first deliveries expected this year. This brings the total number of F-16s committed to Ukraine to 85, including contributions from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Ukrainian pilots are currently training in the USA, Denmark, and Romania to operate these jets.

Australia Ranked 1st, N. Korea Last on Nuke Safety

WASHINGTON - Australia has the tightest security controls among nations with nuclear material while North Korea poses the world's greatest risks, a new index by experts said Jan. 11.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative, in a project led by former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and the Economist Intelligence Unit, aims to draw attention to steps that nations can take to ensure the safety of the world's most destructive weapons.

Among 32 nations that possess at least one kilogram of weapons-usable nuclear materials, Australia was ranked as the most secure. It was followed by European nations led by Hungary, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

On the bottom of the list, North Korea was ranked as the least secure of its nuclear material, edging out Pakistan.

The index, which gave rankings on a scale of 100, also listed Iran, Vietnam and India below the 50-point threshold.

"This is not about congratulating some countries and chastising others. We are highlighting the universal responsibility of states to secure the world's most dangerous materials," said Nunn, who has long been active on nuclear safety.

Nunn, a Democrat who represented Georgia in the Senate from 1972 until early 1997, voiced concern that the world had a "perfect storm" - an ample supply of weapons-usable nuclear materials and terrorists who want them.

"We know that to get the materials they need, terrorists will go where the material is most vulnerable. Global nuclear security is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain," he said.

The index, timed ahead of the March summit on nuclear security in South Korea, called for the world to set benchmarks and to hold nations accountable for nuclear safety. It also urged nations to stop increasing stocks of weapons-usable material and to make public their security regulations.

North Korea has tested two nuclear bombs and in 2009 renounced a U.S.-backed agreement on denuclearization. The world has watched warily since last month as young Kim Jong-Un takes over as leader from his late father Kim Jong-Il.

Pakistan has vigorously defended its right to nuclear weapons. The father of Pakistan's atomic bomb, Abdul Qadeer Khan, admitted in 2004 that he ran a nuclear black market selling secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea but later retracted his remarks.

Australia does not have nuclear weapons and supports their abolition. But it has a security alliance with the United States and holds the world's largest reserves of uranium.

Of acknowledged nuclear weapons states, Britain scored best at 10th among the 32 countries. The United States ranked 13th.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative also released a separate index of security conditions in countries without significant nuclear materials, saying they could be used as safe havens or transit points. Somalia, which is partially under the control of the al-Qaida-linked Shebab movement and has effectively lacked a central government for two decades, was ranked last among the 144 countries surveyed.

Other countries that ranked near the bottom included Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Eritrea and Chad.

On the top of the list, Finland was ranked as the most secure nation among those without nuclear material. It was followed by Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Slovenia and Romania.

Romania Ratifies U.S. Missile Shield Agreement

BUCHAREST, Romania- The Romanian parliament ratified an accord to host U.S. missile interceptors on its soil on Dec. 6, a day before a meeting of the 28 NATO members in Brussels.

The Senate unanimously adopted the draft law ratifying the Romania-U.S. agreement signed in September that would allow the establishment and operation of a U.S. land-based ballistic missile defense system in Romania as part of NATO's efforts to build a continental missile shield.

"The location of some elements of the U.S. missile shield represents a very important contribution to the security of Romania, the U.S. and the entire alliance," Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi told senators, according to Mediafax news agency.

The draft law was adopted by the lower house in November and is now set to be promulgated by President Traian Basescu.

The deployment of the missile interceptors is expected to take place in 2015 at a former airbase in southern Romania.

The missile shield, which is based on U.S. technology, is one of the transatlantic alliance's main development axes for the coming years, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.

Along with Romania, Turkey, Poland and Spain have also agreed to take part in the project.

Romania Summons Iranian Envoy Over Missile Remarks

BUCHAREST - Iran's ambassador to Bucharest was summoned by Romanian authorities on June 20 to explain claims in an interview that U.S. plans to build a missile shield were directed at Russia.

"Bajador Aminian Jazi was summoned to the Foreign Affairs Ministry and asked for clarifications," a news release said. "The Romanian side stressed that such statements are not constructive. The system is a purely defensive one and cannot therefore be aimed against any country."

In an interview with HotNews website, the diplomat had said that Iran did not see the deployment of U.S. missile interceptors in Romania as a threat.

"We believe the anti-missile shield is not aimed against us. We don't have a nuclear program targeting any other country, our missiles are defensive only," he said.

However, he added, "you are importing Russian gas. I think that in the future, given also this anti-missile system, you will have some problems with them."

Jazi said this project dated back to 1984, when it was drawn up "to annihilate the Soviet Union's supremacy."

"Yes, [it is directed] against Russia," he added.

Bucharest and Washington last month concluded talks on the deployment of 24 U.S. missile interceptors at a former airbase in south Romania, insisting on the project's purely defensive purpose.

But Russia said it would seek legal guarantees that the shield was not directed against its strategic nuclear forces.

U.S., Romania in 'Complicated' F-16 Talks

BUCHAREST, Romania - The United States and Romania are in "very complicated" negotiations about the purchase of second-hand F-16 combat aircraft due to financing issues, the U.S. ambassador to Romania said June 2.
"This is a very complicated negotiation because at some point it requires a financial agreement," Ambassador Mark Gitenstein told a press conference.

"We are just not far enough to finalize that" at this stage, he added.
Romania announced in March 2010 it would purchase 24 F-16 aircraft currently used by the U.S. military for $1.3 billion in order to replace its ageing, Soviet-made MiG Lancer jets.
The announcement triggered criticism from European groups Eurofighter and Saab, which said authorities should have issued a call for tenders.
Then in June 2010, as Romania battled one of the worst recessions in Europe, then finance minister Sebastian Vladescu said the purchase represented 1 percent of GDP and "such an expense was downright impossible" at the moment.
Romania and the United States are close allies and agreed in May to deploy 24 missile interceptors on a military airbase in southern Romania in 2015 as part of the new U.S. defense shield

Romania, U.S. Conclude Talks on Missile Shield

BUCHAREST, Romania - Bucharest and Washington have concluded talks on the deployment of U.S. missile interceptors in Romania and will sign the agreement next autumn, Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi said May 5.
"The two teams have finalized the text of the agreement on installing an American defense system in Romania," Baconschi told a press conference.

The agreement will be signed in autumn and submitted for ratification to parliament, he added.
The two countries had made important strides in the talks with the May 3 announcement of the site where missile interceptors are to be installed.
After a detailed analysis, the two sides decided a former airbase in southern Romania, Deveselu, was the best location, President Traian Basescu had said.
A total of 24 SM-3 interceptors will be deployed at the airbase, which will host a maximum of 500 U.S. troops.
"This defense system will play a double role: both protect this country and deter potential attacks," Baconschi stressed.
He added that Romania's prestige and credibility will be boosted by participation in this system.
Washington originally planned to install its anti-missile shield in Poland and the neighboring Czech Republic, aimed at countering feared attacks from Iran. But that plan, which angered Russia after it saw itself as the target for the shield system, was scrapped by U.S. President Barack Obama in September 2009.
Washington has since reworked the scheme and signed a new treaty with Moscow on reducing strategic nuclear weapons.
On May 3, Moscow said it would seek legal guarantees that the U.S. does not intend to deploy a missile defense system aimed at its strategic nuclear forces.
But Baconschi once again stressed that the shield was "purely defensive" and added that he hoped Russia would participate in a constructive way in this system.

Romania Air Base to Host U.S. Missile Shield

DEVESELU, Romania - Bucharest said May 3 that U.S. missile interceptors would be deployed in southern Romania, a key link in Europe for a defense shield, prompting Moscow to ask for "safeguards" from Washington.

Romania's Deveselu air base is seen May 3. Washington and Bucharest said May 3 that U.S. missile interceptors will be deployed at a former Soviet-built airbase in southern Romania, the first such move in Europe for a future defense shield. (Daniel Mihailescu / AFP via Getty Images)

Romania and the United States have been negotiating for more than a year about the deployment of ballistic missile interceptors, which should be operational by 2015.

"We have decided that the anti-missile shield will be deployed at the former airbase at Deveselu," Romanian President Traian Basescu said in a televised address.
Moscow, which fears the shield could be turned against Russia, swiftly demanded assurances from Washington.
"In this situation, U.S. legal guarantees on their intention not to deploy a missile defense system aimed at the strategic nuclear forces of Russia is becoming even more relevant," Russian Foreign ministry said quoted by news agencies.
The Romanian airbase, located in an agricultural region 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the Bulgarian border, was built nearly 60 years ago with assistance from the Soviet Union.
In 1952, the first Soviet-made MiG-15 aircraft landed on the 700-hectare (1,700-acres) base.
Nearly a third of it will be used by American troops, whose number could go from 200 to a maximum of 500.
Closed down in 2002, the airbase will need investment worth 400 million dollars to become operational again, officials said.
An "American district" will be built in the 3,300-inhabitant village, the mayor Gheorghe Bece told Mediafax news agency.
"We are confident that Deveselu will be an excellent site and will prove to be the optimal location" for the interceptors, Lt. Gen. John Gardner, deputy commander of the U.S. Europe Command, told journalists.
The choice was made after a detailed analysis of security requirements, Basescu stressed.
"This place used to be a lot better when the military base was operational. Now all we have is agriculture," Nicolae Nutescu, a 53-year-old farmer, told AFP.
"I hope that the village will be bustling with activity again" when the U.S. troops arrive, he added.
Washington originally planned to install its anti-missile shield in Poland and the neighboring Czech Republic, aimed at countering feared attacks from Iran. But that plan, which angered Russia after it saw itself as the target for the shield system, was scrapped by U.S. President Barack Obama in September 2009.
Washington has since reworked the scheme and signed a new treaty with Moscow on reducing strategic nuclear weapons.
Russia has said it reserves the right to withdraw from the treaty if Washington presses ahead with missile defense systems in Eastern Europe in a way that Moscow opposes.
But Basescu stressed May 3 that the shield was "purely defensive and not directed against Russia."
"The U.S. missile shield has been discussed for a long time at both a political and a military level. So I don't think Russia still has doubts about its defensive nature," former foreign minister Cristian Diaconescu told AFP.
The deployment of the U.S. European-based Phased, Adaptive Approach for Missile Defense (EPAA) system started with the presence since March in the Mediterranean of a guided missile cruiser equipped with Aegis radar, the USS Monterey.
The second phase is to include the deployment of 24 SM3-type interceptors in Romania, followed in 2018 by a similar deployment in Poland.
"This is the highest level of security Romania can attain," Basescu said.
Analysts said the agreement marked a step further in the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Romania, a former communist country seen today as one of Washington's closest European allies.
Basescu's announcement coincided with the start of a visit by Ellen Tauscher, U.S. Undersecretary of State for arms control and international security affairs, who went to Deveselu on May 3.
Basescu also said U.S. troops and military equipment bound for Iraq and Afghanistan would be allowed to transit through its main port of Constanta on the Black Sea as well as the local airport.
"We have approved the use of the Mihail Kogalniceanu airport and of the harbor of Constanta for the transit of U.S. troops and equipment going to Iraq and Afghanistan and back to Europe," Basescu said in his televised address.
"Kogalniceanu and Constanta will thus become two strategic sites for the U.S. as well as for Romania."

Romania, U.S. Agree on Shield Site: Official

BUCHAREST - The United States and Romania announced plans Tuesday to install missile interceptors at a former air base in the south of the Balkans country for a future defense shield, the first such deployment in Europe.
The two governments have been negotiating for more than a year about the deployment of ballistic missile interceptors, which should be operational by 2015, and the announcement came in a televised address.

"We have decided that the anti-missile shield will be deployed at the former airbase at Deveselu, in Olt County," Romanian President Traian Basescu said.
The airbase, which will remain under Romanian command, will host an average of 200 U.S. troops and up to a maximum of 500.
The choice was made after a detailed analysis of some 120 parameters that should meet the highest security requirements, Basescu stressed.
Washington originally planned to install an anti-missile shield in Poland and the neighboring Czech Republic, aimed at countering feared attacks from Iran.
In September 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama scrapped that project, which had been pushed by his predecessor George W. Bush and enraged Russia.
Washington has since reworked the scheme and signed a new treaty with Moscow on reducing strategic nuclear weapons. Russia has said it reserves the right to withdraw from the treaty if Washington presses ahead with missile defense systems in Eastern Europe in a way that Moscow opposes.
But Basescu once again stressed that the shield was "purely defensive and not directed against Russia."
He added that the interceptors would be part of a missile shield that NATO plans to develop in the coming years.
"This is the highest level of security Romania can attain," Basescu said.
Romanian officials had previously said that the Balkan country was to host 24 SM3-type interceptors.
Basescu's announcement coincided with the start of a visit by Ellen Tauscher, U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security affairs. Tauscher and Romanian officials were to visit the airbase later in the day.
The U.S. official said after meeting with Basescu that Washington was grateful for help from allies such as Romania in the fight against terrorism.
Basescu also announced that U.S. troops and military equipment bound for Iraq and Afghanistan would transit a Romanian airbase and a harbor on the Black Sea.
"We have approved the use of the Mihail Kogalniceanu airport and of the harbor of Constanta for the transit of U.S. troops and equipment going to Iraq and Afghanistan and back to Europe," Basescu said in his televised address. "Kogalniceanu and Constanta will thus become two strategic sites for the U.S. as well as for Romania."
Constanta is the main Romanian sea harbor.
Basescu said the Kogalniceanu airbase, used by U.S. troops during the war in Iraq, will also temporarily shelter four U.S. tankers and four Hercules C-17 aircraft.
A close ally of the U.S., Romania was among the first countries to join the international forces deployed in Iraq and currently has 1,770 troops in Afghanistan.