Russia deploys S-400 missiles close to NATO

Russia will deploy the modern S-400 air defense missile system to its Kaliningrad exclave near the border of several NATO member countries.

S-400 air defense missile system. Photo: Sputnik

Chairman of the Russian Senate Defense Committee Viktor Ozerov announced on November 21 that he would deploy the S-400 air defense missile system to the Kaliningrad region to counter the US missile shield planned to be deployed in Eastern Europe, according to RIA Novosti.

"To counter potential threats, we will take measures to strengthen our forces, including deploying S-400 and Iskander in Kaliningrad," Mr. Ozerov affirmed.

The US State Department, also on November 21, accused Russia of creating a threat and destabilizing European security.

Location of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Graphics: BBC.

NATO announced in July that it would deploy four multinational battalions on a rotational basis to Poland and the Baltic region to deter any incursion from Russia.

The US also plans to send 300 Marines to Norway and station them at a base near the border with Russia. The UK plans to send 800 soldiers, along with tanks, armored vehicles, and drones, to Estonia early next year to reassure the Baltic states.

This is seen as the largest long-term British troop deployment to a country neighbouring Russia since the end of the Cold War.

According to VNE