German Patriots in Poland

poland - Two Patriot missile defense systems in Poland will be fully operational on Monday.

German Defense Minister Visits Poland

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that 2 Patriot missile defense systems stationed at Jasionka Airport in Poland will be fully operational starting next Monday to protect the central hub for military and humanitarian aid sent to Ukraine.

Pistorius emphasized that Germany will take over security responsibilities from the US at the airport for the next 6 months. The German Patriot units will safeguard the airspace near the Poland-Ukraine border during this period due to hardware and personnel limitations, with a commitment to ensure safety without a permanent presence in Poland.

Pistorius also mentioned Germany's plan to send Eurofighter jets to assist with air policing in Poland during the summer months.

Poland's Defense Minister on Security

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Jasionka is a crucial hub for humanitarian and military aid, with over 90% of the aid to Ukraine passing through the airport. The deployment of the 2 Patriot batteries significantly enhances Poland's and the region's airspace security.

Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted that Poland's enhanced security contributes to a safer Europe, emphasizing the effective cooperation within NATO.

Logistic Center for Ukraine Aid

Jasionka Airport, where the Patriot missile defense system is deployed, serves as a vital logistic center for sending arms, ammunition, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

Following a January 2023 decision to deploy Patriots in Poland after a missile launched by Ukraine caused casualties in the country, Germany has stationed 3 Patriot units and 300 troops in Poland between January and November 2023. In a similar vein, Norway reinforced the logistic chain to Ukraine by deploying F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems in December.