Netherlands to Deploy Patriot and NASAMS Air Defense Systems in Poland for NATO Hub Protection

At the end of 2025, the Netherlands will strengthen the NATO logistics hub in Poland with various surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs).

The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced that two Patriot systems and one NASAMS system will be sent to Poland.

Along with the equipment, about 300 military personnel will be deployed to operate the systems and protect the strategic facility.

This concerns the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), located in the Polish city of Rzeszów.

This center is a key hub for the transportation of military aid to Ukraine coming from allies.

“We are doing this to protect NATO’s eastern flank, an important military hub for the defense of Ukraine and for deterring the Russians,” stated the Dutch Minister of Defense.

The deployment involves the integration of three different air defense systems.

In addition to the Patriot and NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems, the unit will also include counter-drone systems.

Thus, the allies are creating a multi-layered air defense capable of countering ballistic and cruise missiles, combat aircraft, helicopters, and drones.

“This deployment helps achieve three important goals: protecting NATO territory, deterring Russian aggression, and providing ongoing support to Ukraine. In this way, we keep the Russian threat at as great a distance as possible,” the ministry emphasized.

The Dutch government also emphasized that this step is part of a broader strategy to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Earlier, Amsterdam had already committed to deploying F-35 fighter jets over Polish skies to bolster defense.

It was also previously announced that the Netherlands would provide Ukraine with a new military aid package, aimed in particular at enhancing air defense.