Germany to deploy Patriot air defense system in Poland

BERLIN

Germany announced plans on Thursday to deploy Patriot missiles in neighboring Poland to bolster the country’s air defense amid growing tensions with Russia.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement that the deployment would begin in January 2025, and it will play a significant role in maintaining military support for Ukraine.

“We will protect a logistical hub in Poland that is of central importance for the delivery of material to Ukraine. We are securing the supply of vehicles, weapons and ammunition that Ukraine urgently needs,” he said.

Patriot missiles will be deployed in the Rzeszow area in southeastern Poland, a crucial transit point for Western military aid to Ukraine. According to the Defense Ministry, the mission is initially planned for six months.

German Patriot systems were previously deployed in Poland from January to November 2023. During this period, approximately 320 German soldiers operated Patriot launchers at two locations near the Ukrainian border.

The Bundeswehr's Patriot systems, among the most advanced globally, can intercept enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) and altitudes of 30 kilometers (19 miles), depending on the missile variant used.