embassy events 2009

President Obama Announces “Stronger, Smarter, and Swifter” Missile Defense System

18 September 2009

President Barack Obama

After a comprehensive, congressionally-mandated review of missile defense, President Obama on September 17 announced a new plan to strengthen missile defense in Europe.   In his remarks, President Obama said, “This new approach will provide capabilities sooner, build on proven systems, and offer greater defenses against the threat of missile attack than the 2007 European missile defense program.  The new missile defense architecture in Europe will provide stronger, smarter, and swifter defenses of American forces and America's allies.  It is more comprehensive than the previous program; it deploys capabilities that are proven and cost-effective; and it sustains and builds upon our commitment to protect the U.S. homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats; and it ensures and enhances the protection of all our NATO allies.  This approach is also consistent with NATO missile -- NATO's missile defense efforts and provides opportunities for enhanced international collaboration going forward.  We will continue to work cooperatively with our close friends and allies, the Czech Republic and Poland, who had agreed to host elements of the previous program.” 

Before making this announcement, President Obama spoke to the Prime Ministers of both the Czech Republic and Poland about this decision and reaffirmed our deep and close ties. For the full text of his remarks, please click here.  For a fact sheet on the new phased, adaptive approach for Missile Defense in Europe, please click here.  For the text of the Department of Defense News Briefing given by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General James Cartwright, please click here.