A bold question

[FirefighterJo]

Do we as NATO members have the ability to shoot Russian nuclear missiles out of the sky before detonation

[randr]

1. I would certainly hope so

If launched, I would further hope we evaporate Putin where ever he is.

[sarisataka]

2. Short answer...

Well, sort of.

Longer answer
We have some antiballistic missile systems that have had successful tests and real-world success against short range ballistic missiles. ICBMs however are very different than something like a SCUD; they have multiple warheads and some evasive capabilities.

We would probably get some but far from all.

[brooklynite]

3. I don't think that was the question asked...

It looks like the question was: "can a NATO country thwart a Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine (not a NATO member)?" The answer to that is "no, not as part of the NATO Charter. What's unclear is whether any of the nuclear treaties or Security Council resolutions on nuclear weapons allow such interventions.

[yagotme]

4. If that is what the OP is asking, all Russia has to do

is drive a portable missile near the border, and launch. Very little time would be allotted for a "shoot down". Multiple missiles could be involved, also. I'm not sure if the question is "can we", or "should we".

[FirefighterJo]

6. The question is can we

I am not talking or asking about politics.
Can we... not should.
I am am not a warmonger.
Saw too much on that account btw.
But if Ukraine falls, there is a real problem.
The heart of the question is. If NATO engages, Russia will have no other choice to deploy it's nuclear arsenal. I know for a fact you just do not detonate a nuclear missile that easy. So what are our chances to shoot them and they fizzle?

[yagotme]

18. Thanks for the clarification.

If OUR top people were in charge of missile defense in Ukraine, and we had sufficient numbers of counter battery missiles available, yes, I believe we could shoot down nearly any missile Russia launches. I'm not sure about the new hypers, not enough knowledge on them yet (at least, what's available to the public). Inexperienced, possibly lesser trained individuals, not a lot of counter missiles, it could go either way.

[sarisataka]

5. I was taking the question at a broader level or

from the perspective 'if Russia attacks NATO..."

Were Russia to attack a third party, intercepting the missiles would be morally justified but I am aware of no international law that would support it. Ukraine is not a NATO member so we could not invoke the treaty as justification.

Since many of the missiles Russia is using are nuclear capable, e.g. the Kinzhal, we would like not know it had a nuclear warhead until it exploded...

[bluestarone]

7. So, let me ask a second question. What if a NATO country says BULLSHIT and

Shoots down any nuke missiles heading for Ukraine? ( i would support this)

[brooklynite]

8. Potentially you've then declared war with Russia.

[FirefighterJo]

10. Probably

But that s the point.... On the conventional battlefield they have now shown they are nothing. They re only resort is their nuclear arsenal. But a nuke is not a bomb... you need precision to detonate, and timing. So the question
stays. Can we as an alliance shoot them out of the sky before harm is done?.

[pwb]

9. Bad move if little guy Putin tries.

We have ships all over the ocean. The Military is about twenty years ahead of the rest of us, they may be able to get them on decent. I could not believe the starlight scope in 69. Night vision. We have shit you can't believe. We will die fighting no matter what if what you ask happens. The End.

[FirefighterJo]

11. I m a retired soldier

When death faces you, you accept. No discussion. But my question is about our love ones

[pwb]

12. When death faced me I did not accept.

Still here? Lots of us are of a military mind.

[FirefighterJo]

13. Mu

It s the kanji of a warrior before battle. You accept and give it all...

[FirefighterJo]

19. Damn!

You know the concept of mu! I respect!

[FirefighterJo]

14. Being of a military mind

Does not make you a soldier, especially not a warrior!
War is disgusting in every (un)imaginable way, trust me.
My question was one out of worry for my loved ones, not me.

[pwb]

15. Being a Nam Combat vet

don't lecture me pal.

[FirefighterJo]

16. I will not

Brother. Rwanda vet...

[FirefighterJo]

17. The time of fighting is over

The time of joining hands has Come. Cuudos