Germany offers to deploy Patriot systems to Poland
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Germany plans to relocate Patriot air defense systems to Poland in early 2025. The systems will be deployed for up to six months to protect a key logistics hub that facilitates the delivery of materials to Ukraine, says German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
"With this, we will protect a logistical hub in Poland which is of central importance for the delivery of materials to Ukraine," he said.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance for the region's security.
Earlier, Germany had already stationed three Patriot units and 300 soldiers in Poland from January to November 2023. They were based in Zamość, near the Ukrainian border, to protect the rail connections through which aid is delivered to Ukraine.
The decision to deploy the Patriots was made following an incident in November 2022, when a stray missile hit the Polish village of Przewodów, raising concerns about the potential expansion of the war into NATO territory.
Poland has been actively strengthening its military in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, purchasing military systems from various countries.
Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed willingness to host NATO nuclear weapons on Polish territory.
Additionally, Duda proposed that NATO member countries increase defense spending from 2% to 3% of GDP.
Duda believes that Russia could soon rebuild its military capabilities and launch an attack on NATO countries as early as 2026.
