Russia has issued a harsh response after Poland and the United States signed a deal to base part of a United States missile defence system on Polish soil.

The 10 interceptor rockets in Poland, along with a radar complex in the Czech Republic, will form the European part of a global system Washington says it is assembling to shoot down ballistic missiles from rogue states like Iran or militant groups such as Al Qaeda.

But Russia says the deal creates a new arms race in the European continent and beyond its borders, adding that the agreement creates mistrust.

In an ominous warning, Russia says it will react - and not only through diplomatic protests.

Some Russian politicians say Poland must be prepared for a preventive attack on the site in the future.

The US and Poland signed the deal at a ceremony in Warsaw.

America says the system will help NATO, Poland and the US respond to "the threats of the 21st Century".

Despite US assurances, Russia believes the planned missile shield is a threat to its own security and designed to undermine Russia's nuclear deterrent.

Russian leaders also say the missile defence system provide no protection against any Iranian danger.