Missile-shield integration sought

Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung suggested that U.S. plans to develop an antimissile shield with radar units and interceptor batteries based in Europe be integrated into the defenses of the NATO alliance.

The U.S. has formally requested to place a radar base in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland as part of its plans for a missile defense shield that Washington says would protect against a potential threat from Iran or North Korea.

For five years, NATO has been studying the prospect of developing a system to defend the territory of the now-26 allies. Jung also said NATO should do more to address Russian concerns about the American plan.