NATO's chief says the first comprehensive test has been completed of the alliance's planned new missile-defense system in Europe.
Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, in an article in "The Wall Street Journal," says a U.S. ship, radar, and satellite, as well as interceptor batteries from Germany and the Netherlands, "conducted a series of simulated engagements to test the alliance's ability to defend against missile attacks."
Rasmussen described the test as a successful. Reports say NATO leaders are hoping to declare the start of an "interim capability" for the missile shield at their summit in Chicago on May 20-21.
The system, aimed at protecting against potential missile threats from outside Europe, is opposed by Russia, which fears it could threaten Russian national security.
Moscow has threatened countermeasures.
Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, in an article in "The Wall Street Journal," says a U.S. ship, radar, and satellite, as well as interceptor batteries from Germany and the Netherlands, "conducted a series of simulated engagements to test the alliance's ability to defend against missile attacks."
Rasmussen described the test as a successful. Reports say NATO leaders are hoping to declare the start of an "interim capability" for the missile shield at their summit in Chicago on May 20-21.
The system, aimed at protecting against potential missile threats from outside Europe, is opposed by Russia, which fears it could threaten Russian national security.
Moscow has threatened countermeasures.
