Two Patriot air defence systems and 300 soldiers will send the Dutch army to Poland. The quota will be deployed to the east of the country, where, among another things, it will strengthen the protection of the NATO logistics centre in Jasionka. The mission will begin in December and last until May next year.
Illustration picture. The Dutch Patriot Air defence System.
The decision to send the quota was announced by Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands. – The deployment of soldiers in Poland will contribute to 3 crucial objectives: defence of NATO territory, prevention of Russian aggression and further support of Ukraine. In this way, we remove the threat from Russia as much as possible," he explained. The Dutch contingent will launch the mission before the end of this year. The soldiers will be deployed close the east border. They will be primarily liable for safety of the airport in Jasionka close Rzeszów. It is now 1 of the key logistics facilities of the Alliance in Europe. It's a military aid that the West is giving to the fighting Ukraine. The complex is already covered, among others, by Patriot batteries from Germany. The Dutch will bring together 2 akin sets. They'll have at their disposal. NASAMS Air defence Systems and unmanned aircraft control kits. The equipment will supply multi-layered protection against possible attacks of aircraft, helicopters, drones and impact with maneuvering missiles. The Dutch will stay on the east flank until May next year.
Meanwhile, 4 Dutch F-35 fighters will arrive in Poland in September. The Dutch will strengthen the air defence of the Polish territory, they will besides practice with the pilots of the Polish Air Force. “We will usage experience from Estonia, where we conducted a akin mission,” stressed Minister Brekelmans in July. This is another aviation contingent seconded to the east flank by allies. They have already operated, or inactive operate, e.g. F-35 from Norway, British Typhoony is Gripens belonging to the Swedish Air Force.
The decision of Dutch soldiers to Poland is the consequence of an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the field of defence. little than 2 months ago, it was signed by the defence ministers of both countries – Ruben Brekelmans and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish. The paper includes joint exercises and exchange of experience in the usage of modern military equipment. The Dutch were besides invited to participate in the global “Iron Defender 25” maneuvers. The Polish army will conduct them in September. This will be a consequence to the Russian-Belarusian exercises "Zpad '25" held at the same time.
