The Netherlands has deployed Patriot and NASAMS air-defense systems to protect a NATO logistics hub in Poland that supports the delivery of military aid to Ukraine.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced the decision.
The deployment of the surface-to-air missile systems started on December 1 and will continue until June 1 of next year.
It concerns the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) logistics center, located in the Polish city of Rzeszów.
The Netherlands has transferred to Poland, among other equipment, two Patriot air-defense systems, one NASAMS system, and approximately 300 military personnel.
This is an integrated unit with three capabilities, including counter-drone systems.
“Thanks to this, the Netherlands, together with its partners, provides multi-layered air defense against potential threats from ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, helicopters, and drones,” the Ministry of Defence stated.
The logistics hub in Rzeszów is a key node for transporting military aid to Ukraine from allied countries.
The deployment of the Dutch air-defense systems, first announced in August, serves three main goals: protecting NATO territory, deterring Russian aggression, and providing continued support to Ukraine.
NSATU coordinates and facilitates the training of Ukrainian soldiers and provides military assistance to the country. Therefore, military equipment supplied to Ukraine by NATO members must reach its destination safely.
Air defense enables NSATU to carry out this logistical mission safely, the Dutch Ministry of Defence noted.
The Dutch military will also purchase 100 drone-detection radar systems from the company Robin Radar, which have been tested in Ukraine.
