Three hundred Dutch troops, equipped with two Patriot air defense systems and anti-drone complexes, will deploy to Poland on December 1 to protect military equipment deliveries to Ukraine from Russian attacks, reports NOS.
These air defense systems are not intended to defend Ukrainian territory.
“We are doing this to protect NATO’s eastern flank, a key military hub for supporting Ukraine, as well as to deter and discourage the Russians,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
The Netherlands’ mission will last at least until the end of May.
It is noted that when the two Patriot systems are temporarily deployed to Poland, one system will remain in the Netherlands, ensuring national security is maintained.
The Minister also added that NATO’s activities in Poland and the deterrence of Russia help safeguard the Netherlands.
Earlier, the Netherlands agreed to deploy F-35 fighter jets to Poland, which from September 1 to December 1 will monitor NATO airspace alongside their Norwegian counterparts
