Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on House Armed Services, made the following remarks today regarding the importance of Poland purchasing an interoperable NATO missile defense system and preferably a U.S. system.

"I believe missile defense is a critical tool for enhancing security in an uncertain world, just as it is a vital tool for enhancing bilateral relationships. Recently, the Department of Defense communicated to my subcommittee that it believes the missile defense procurement under consideration is a key opportunity for Poland.

"In a response to a question for the record from my March 25th missile defense budget hearing, the Department stated: “It is important that the missile defense system Poland procures be interoperable with the NATO ballistic missile defense system. While we would naturally prefer that Poland procure a U.S. system, the United States recognizes Poland’s right to purchase whatever missile defense system it chooses to purchase. If they choose to procure a U.S. system, doing so would provide Poland the best state-of-the art missile.’”

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