BERLIN (Agencies): Germany deployed two Patriot air-defence systems to Poland in mid-January, the Bundeswehr announced on its website on 7 February. From 13 to 17 January 100 vehicles and 200 personnel from the Luftwaffe’s Flugabwehrraketengruppe (Surface-to-Air Missile Group) 21 in Sanitz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, deployed to Rzeszów, Poland, close to the Ukrainian border.
In addition to two Patriot systems, the six-month deployment includes a group operation centre and support, supply, communication, and command personnel.
They relieved the 5th Battalion of the US Army’s 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, with the transfer of authority taking place on 3 February. The US Patriot unit was deployed in Poland for over two years.
The US will continue to provide short- and very short-range air defence against small unmanned aircraft systems with M1097 Avenger systems. In addition, Norway has deployed F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units to defend Rzeszów.