German Armed Forces Withdraw German Patriot Air Defense Systems from Poland as Planned - Germany withdraws Patriot missile systems from Poland after yearlong deployment
Germany has started pulling its Patriot missile defence systems out of Poland. The withdrawal marks the end of a deployment that lasted nearly a year. The operation focused on protecting a key transport hub near the Ukrainian border.
The German Armed Forces sent two Patriot firing units to Poland in January. These systems, with a 68-kilometre range, can track and destroy up to five targets at once, including ballistic missiles, drones, and aircraft. Troops from Air Defense Missile Wing 1, based in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, operated the equipment.
The mission gained extra importance in early September when Russian drones entered Polish airspace. German forces helped intercept some of these threats, maintaining full operational readiness. Throughout the deployment, they also contributed to air surveillance and defence coordination.
The withdrawal process is now underway and should finish in the coming days. Around 200 service members involved in the operation will return home in time for the Christmas holidays. While the Patriots are leaving, the Bundeswehr will continue supporting air defence in the region through other means, including Eurofighter units and ongoing cooperation with NATO allies like Poland.
The removal of the Patriot systems concludes a deployment that began as a precautionary measure. German forces provided air defence and situational awareness during a period of heightened regional tensions. The troops involved will now reunite with their families for the festive season.
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