MOSCOW (Sputnik) — These new missiles could be deployed in Poland and Romania by 2018, Oleg Pyshny said.
"We observe the creation of US missile defense systems. Yes, we assume that in the SM-3 missiles family some new ones which will be a threat to us will appear with time. This year the first (with no interception) missile tests on 'SM-3 Block 2A' were conducted, which have already caused us concern," Pyshny said.
The following day, a US State Department official told Sputnik that the historic agreement on Iran's nuclear program did not remove the need for European ballistic missile defenses to counter any potential threat from Tehran.
Earlier in July, US Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation Thomas Countryman said that the chances of a US-Russian nuclear exchange remain at a historic low.
US Modernization of 50 Warships by 2020 to Threaten Russia
"By 2020, we expect around 48-49 ships to be upgraded in order to be used for the missile defense system. The Americans announced such plans specifically in relation to the ships," Pyshny said.
According to Pyshny, the number of US missiles in 2020 will exceed 200 modern units.
"How much is this a threat to us? Of course, it threatens our maritime components, as well as the Strategic Missile Forces," the colonel said, stressing that the Russia will find a way to respond to the threat.
"We will take appropriate technical measures against this threat. We are sure that there is an adequate response", Pyshny asserted.
