Dutch Patriot missile systems in Slovakia in 2022. The Netherlands has taken command of a NATO air defense mission in eastern Poland, where allies coordinate logistical support for Ukraine. (Gregory Freni/Netherlands defense ministry)
The Netherlands this week took command of a NATO air defense mission in eastern Poland, where allies coordinate logistical support for Ukraine.
About 300 Dutch troops, equipped with Patriots and other air defense systems, began their mission on Monday, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement the same day.
“We protect supply lines to Ukraine, defend NATO’s eastern flank and develop our capabilities. This strengthens the security of Poland, Ukraine, NATO and Netherlands,” Brekelmans said.
The Dutch replaced German forces, who had previously been carrying out the air defense mission in Jasionka, Poland.
The air defense mission in eastern Poland was formerly a U.S.-led effort, with American Patriot teams deployed to the area soon after Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In February, the U.S. handed the Patriot mission over to the Germans, part of a broader shift that in January also saw NATO take command and control of the alliance’s overall air defense mission in Poland.
The Dutch deployment is expected to last until June.
In addition to Patriots, Dutch forces also are using the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System and other counter-drone equipment, Brekelmans said.
