Report: Poland agrees to defense shield

MOSCOW, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Diplomatic officials say Poland has agreed in principle to let the United States build a missile defense base opposed by Russia.

The plan was approved Friday in Washington by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, RIA Novosti reported Saturday.

In return, the United States has agreed to help Poland modernize its weapons systems, RIA Novosti said.

The United States wants to install 10 missile interceptors in Poland and place other elements of the defense shield in the Czech Republic.

U.S. officials maintain the shield is needed to protect against missiles from rogue states, such as Iran. Russia, however, maintains the anti-missile system could be used harm its country.