NATO is increasing the alert and readiness levels of its ballistic defence systems due to the Iranian missile attack on Turkey, a spokesman for the military headquarters in the Belgian city of Mons said on Thursday evening.
The measure was ordered by the commander of NATO’s Air Command, the spokesman said. He also recommended maintaining NATO’s readiness at this heightened level until the threat from Iran’s ongoing indiscriminate attacks in the region subsides.
“The posture was raised immediately upon detection, but the decision to maintain it at a heightened level was made afterwards,” he said.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe has endorsed this recommendation, added spokesman Martin L O’Donnell.
‘Unanimous support’ expressed
During a meeting with representatives of member states, strong and unanimous support for the measure was also expressed. The adjustment allows the alliance to defend itself against the current threat.
The spokesman pointed out that the defence readiness had already been demonstrated on Wednesday when NATO perfectly executed its ballistic missile defence procedures.
In less than 10 minutes, NATO soldiers identified the ballistic missile, confirmed its trajectory and alerted the land and sea-based missile defence systems for the successful interception manoeuvre, he added.
Details are confidential
When asked whether additional missile defence systems would be deployed to the region due to the situation, NATO initially provided no information.
Spokesman O’Donnell stated that no further details could be disclosed for operational security reasons.
According to NATO, Iran caused outrage on Wednesday by firing a missile at NATO member Turkey.
According to Turkish reports, it was intercepted in the Turkish border region. Part of the defence missile fell on an open area in Hatay province, with no injuries reported. Where the Iranian missile was supposed to land was initially unknown.
Turkey is neutral in the war against Iran and has long sought a diplomatic solution to the conflict. However, US soldiers are also stationed in Turkey.
The most important NATO airbase in the country is in İncirlik in the southern Turkish province of Adana. According to US reports, around 1,500 military personnel are stationed there. The base is considered an important military hub in the region.