The German government has offered to extend the deployment of three Patriot air defense units in Poland until the end of 2023, the German defense ministry stated.
According to a statement released by the ministry, there are no plans to extend the agreement beyond 2023. In 2024, certain German Patriot units will be allocated for use by NATO’s rapid response force, while the remaining units will undergo required maintenance.
About 300 German soldiers have been stationed in Zamosc, Poland, since the beginning of the year to guard the southern city and the vital rail link to Ukraine. Zamosc is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
The incident in November of last year, when a stray Ukrainian missile hit the Polish village of Przewodow, prompted the deployment out of concern for a spillover of the conflict in Ukraine.
The relationship between Berlin and the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party in Warsaw has become tense as both parties hold differing views on various issues. These issues include arms deliveries to Kyiv and Poland’s rejection of an EU migration deal.
