Germany wants to keep its Patriot air defence systems in Poland until the end of 2023

German authorities intend to extend the deployment of MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems in Poland. But next year they will still return back to Germany.

Here's What We Know

Germany sent Patriot missile defence systems to Poland in early 2023. The move was part of a wider NATO effort to bolster its eastern flank in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The German Patriot systems were expected to be deployed in Poland within six months, i.e. by June. In July, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak asked German defence chief Boris Pistorius to extend the stay of the anti-aircraft missile systems in the country.

As it became known, Berlin will leave the MIM-104 Patriot until the end of 2023. However, the missile defence systems will then be sent back to Germany as they will be required to meet the country's NATO commitments in 2024.

Source: Financial Times