The missile shield, billed as a defense against any strike by a "rogue state" against European cities, is one of the most sensitive aspects of the United States' military support for Europe. Russia says the system is in fact intended by Washington to blunt its nuclear arsenal, which the U.S. denies.
"Leaders will agree that missile defense is initially operational," a NATO official said, referring to the alliance summit under way in Warsaw on Friday.
"This means U.S. ships based in Spain, a radar in Turkey and the missile defense base in Romania can work together under NATO command."
A second NATO official confirmed that, saying "the conditions are met" to put the shield system under a NATO flag.
Russia is incensed at such a show of force by its Cold War rival in formerly communist-ruled eastern Europe.
Washington hopes handing over control to the multinational NATO alliance can calm Russian fears. European NATO member states are seen as having nothing to gain by provoking Russia, their major energy supplier.
European nations will be responsible for some funding and adding assets to the shield over time.
The system comes as NATO prepares a new deterrent in Poland and the Baltics following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. In response, Russia is reinforcing its western and southern flanks with three new divisions (end of excerpt).
Click here for the full story, on the Reuters website.
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