Germany gradually withdraws Patriot air defense systems from Poland

Germany's Defense Ministry announced that the country is beginning to gradually withdraw three Patriot air defense systems and serving troops from Poland.

"On November 10, the German air and missile defense task force will complete its mission as part of NATO's security enhancement activities. Then, on November 15, the personnel and three combat units will be gradually withdrawn to Germany," the German Defense Ministry announced.

Germany supplied Patriot systems and crews to Poland in January this year, following the incident in November 2022 of a stray Ukrainian S-300 anti-aircraft missile hitting the village of Przewodow (Poland). A total of three German Patriot systems are deployed in Poland, along with about 320 Bundeswehr personnel.

Meanwhile, Patriot air defense systems were deployed in Slovakia from NATO partner countries in March last year, shortly after Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine.

Germany's deployment of Patriot air defense missile systems in Poland and Slovakia is said to help strengthen NATO's eastern flank defense capabilities.

In April 2023, German media reported that the air defense systems would only be in Poland until June. Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak then called for the systems to be extended. In August, reports suggested that the systems would remain in Poland until the end of the year.

Germany had 36 Patriot batteries during the Cold War. Today, Germany has only 11 Patriot batteries.