English Section

Germany to deploy Eurofighter jets and Patriot missiles in Poland

23.01.2025 11:30
Germany will station Eurofighter jets and two Patriot missile defense batteries in Poland to support the protection of NATO's eastern flank, announced German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during his visit to Rzeszów on Thursday.
Deputy PM and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (L) and German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius (2L) during a press conference in Jasionka, southeastern Poland, on January 23, 2025.
Deputy PM and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (L) and German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius (2L) during a press conference in Jasionka, southeastern Poland, on January 23, 2025. Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz

The Patriot batteries will be fully operational in Poland starting Monday, while the Eurofighter jets will be stationed in Poland this summer.

The German Patriots will secure the airspace for six months, replacing the American missile defense systems that have been performing this role so far.

According to the Polish Ministry of Defence (MON), Germany has sent two Patriot missile defense batteries from the 21st Air Defense Missile Group of the Luftwaffe in Sanitz, located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, to Poland. Along with the batteries, approximately 200 German soldiers have also arrived in Poland.

Pistorius reminded that the Patriots were previously deployed in Poland in 2022 following a missile incident in Przewodów, in the eastern part of the country near the Ukrainian border.

During his meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, he emphasized that the mission of the German Patriot batteries cannot be permanent due to equipment and personnel limitations.

Pistorius's visit is connected to the deployment of German Patriot missile defense units at Rzeszów airport, a key logistical hub for military aid to Ukraine, with operations set to begin later this month. Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz Pistorius's visit is connected to the deployment of German Patriot missile defense units at Rzeszów airport, a key logistical hub for military aid to Ukraine, with operations set to begin later this month. Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz

Source: IAR/PAP/MON

(m p)