Pentagon chief confirms plans for missile defense systems in Europe

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel confirmed on Friday the U.S. plans to deploy missile defense systems in Europe, despite the adjustment to the missile defense program, interfax reports.

"The United States will continue to honor its commitment to missile defense in Europe," said a Pentagon press-service report on Friday.

Last week, the United States announced it was scrapping the fourth phase of a European missile defense program to fund boosted missile defense on the west coast of the United States over the growing threat from North Korea.

As Hagel stated previously, Washington remains committed to deploying ballistic missile defenses in Poland and Romania by 2018.
However, he said, the 4th phase of the program would be scrapped. It included placement of additional elements in Poland.