Sweden to Send Patriot System to Poland in December

Sweden will send a Patriot air-defense system and about 100 personnel to southeastern Poland beginning in December to protect a NATO logistics hub used to move military and civilian assistance to Ukraine, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced. The deployment is authorized through the end of 2026, while a possible extension into the first half of 2027 would require approval by Sweden’s parliament. The Swedish unit is to operate at the Rzeszów logistics hub as part of NATO’s air and missile defense, under NATO Air Command. Swedish officials say the mission is intended to help protect the flow of supplies to Ukraine. The system will be operated by Sweden’s Air Defence Regiment, with support from the Blekinge Air Wing. The number of Patriot firing units assigned has not been disclosed. Defense Minister Pål Jonson said Sweden has four units available for its own defense and described the deployment risk as manageable. Those remarks do not establish how many units will be sent to Poland. Swedish officials have said preparations are underway for the mission to continue through the first half of 2027.