The file photo shows US' "Patriot-III" missile. [Photo: huanqiu.com]

In a somewhat low-key ceremony, a new U.S. missile defense site south of Romania's capital, Bucharest, has been deemed completed.

The Aegis Ashore site includes a powerful radar, missile interceptors and communications equipment.

The system is set to become officially combat-ready early this coming year, and is tied into NATO's broader ballistic missile defense system.

While not far from Russian territory, US ambassador to Romania, Hans Klemm, insists the system is meant more to deter Iranian provocations.

"First and foremost, the system at Deveselu is only meant to counter threats originating from outside of Europe. On the same line as Foreign Minister Comanescu stated, Deveselu is not, I repeat, not directed at Russia. Nor does it have the capability to threaten Russia. We have explained this to Russia on many occasions."

US concerns about Iranian ballistic missile launches were ramped-up in early October after Iran launched a test of a home-grown ballistic missile, which the United Nations has deemed a violation of Security Council resolutions.