Sweden will deploy a Patriot system in eastern Poland to protect NATO’s logistics hub

Sweden will deploy a Patriot missile defense system in eastern Poland starting in December to protect NATO’s logistics center at an airport used to deliver weapons to Ukraine. The announcement was made Tuesday by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Sweden will take over the mission from the Netherlands, involving approximately 100 troops from the air defense unit in Halmstad. Swedish authorities did not specify how many Patriot batteries will be deployed in Poland.

Last week, Stockholm also announced the deployment of Gripen fighter jets to Poland as part of a NATO mission to monitor the airspace. According to Kristersson, both the aircraft and the Patriot system are intended to protect NATO’s logistics hub.

The deployment is part of Sweden’s contribution to the Alliance’s missions to secure its eastern flank. The decision comes amid warnings of possible hybrid attacks involving drones and missiles against states supporting Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently cited such risks, while Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow did not intend to attack but would retaliate in the event of aggression.