After renewed massive Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, Poland has proposed to station the Patriot anti-aircraft systems offered by Germany in Ukraine.
He made a corresponding request to Berlin, writes Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak (53) on Twitter on Wednesday evening. The Patriot batteries were to be deployed on Ukraine’s western border. “This will save Ukraine from further casualties and power outages and increase security on our eastern border.”
That’s what the Patriot system can do
The Patriot system (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target) is a ground-based short-range anti-aircraft missile system. It is used to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and medium range tactical ballistic missiles.
It automatically detects aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. The system consists of several components. These are mounted on trucks. The components are a fire control station, a multifunction radar device, a power generator set, a launcher (equipped with four or eight guided missiles), and a radio liaison unit with power generator and antenna mast systems. The German Bundeswehr acquired the Patriot system in 1989.
NATO must protect Poland
On Monday, Blaszczak and Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (57, SPD) reached an agreement on the joint protection of Polish airspace. To this end, the NATO country should receive Patriot missile defense systems and Eurofighters. Details have yet to be agreed and worked out with NATO. Poland welcomed the move.
Last week, a rocket hit the Polish village of Przewodow near the border with Ukraine, killing two civilians. Currently, the West assumes that it was a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile used to defend against Russian military attacks. Lambrecht had said that as a result of this event, the alliance had to better position itself in terms of air defense. (euc/SDA)