Ballistic missiles carrying even a single nuclear, chemical, or biological payload can potentially cause catastrophic damage to a country. The US ballistic missile defence system is a limited response to the growing threats posed by ballistic missiles of all ranges, yet today it can defend only the United States against long-range attack. It is not capable of providing Europe a similar defence against intermediate- and long-range ballistic missiles attacks from the Middle East. The United States can offer its European allies protection from long-range ballistic missile attack by forward deploying elements of the US system in Central Europe. These missile defence assets would complement future NATO missile defence systems and those deployed by allies. All together this deployment would provide the complementary coverage required for a stronger missile defence. Without the option of defence, victims of attack are left with only pre-emption, retaliation or capitulation as a response.