Poland to begin talks with US over anti-missile bases

According to Rzeczpospolita, until now Poland has been in favor of Patriot missiles, but the Americans may station its more modern THAAD system here. "It is probable that THAAD batteries will be located in those European states in which American military bases will be located, also in Poland," stated Rick Lehner, a spokesmen for the US Missile Defense Agency. THAAD missiles are more attractive for Poland also due to diplomatic reasons. The Americans are reluctant to offer Patriot missiles in fear of a hostile reaction from Russia since the Patriot system can only protect Poland from short-range missiles i.e. those from Russia, while the THAAD system may be used against both short and long-range missiles. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1) E.B.