Russia warned US of Mad Arms Race If the Missile Defence Plan Implemented in Europe

The tension intensified between Russia and The United States on 22 May 2011 over missile defence in Europe. Russia warned US of mad arms race if the latter goes ahead with its plans on missile defence in Europe. Russia stated in clear words that if US goes ahead with its proposed missile defence system in Europe, it would be forced to take countermeasures.

According to an estimate, by the end of 2012, the US would field more than 300 interceptor missiles in Europe and it will allow it to acquire a credible capability to destroy Russian land and submarine launched intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Russia is opposed to the planned deployment of US missile defense system near its borders. It considers it as a security threat. United States and NATO insists that the missile shield would defend NATO nations against missiles from Iran and North Korea and it would not be directed at Russia.

NATO and Russia agreed to cooperate on the European missile shield during the NATO-Russia Council summit in Lisbon in November 2010. Russia insists that there should be a joint system while NATO favours two independent systems.

Russia and USA agreed on the New START which limits each nation to 1550 strategic warheads, down from the current ceiling of 2200.The treaty took effect in 2011.