Netherlands boosts NATO hub in Poland with Patriot, NASAMS systems

The Netherlands has sent Patriot and NASAMS air-defence systems to Poland to strengthen the protection of NATO’s logistics hub in Rzeszów, the main transit point for military aid to Ukraine.

The deployment began on December 1 and will continue until June 1, 2026, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

As part of this effort, two Patriot systems, one NASAMS unit, and around 300 personnel have been deployed. The integrated unit also includes counter-drone systems, providing multi-layered air defence against potential threats ranging from ballistic and cruise missiles to drones, helicopters, and fighter jets.

“The Netherlands is providing advanced capabilities for layered air defence. In this way, we protect the logistical supply to Ukraine, defend NATO’s eastern flank, and also increase our own level of training,” Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.  

He added that it was one of the first times they had deployed this combination of systems simultaneously, emphasising that they were showing Russia there was no point in attacking the hub, and that this deployment strengthened the security of Poland, Ukraine, NATO, and the Netherlands.

Several NATO countries will take turns protecting the logistics hub. Prior to the Netherlands’ deployment, Germany had provided some of the same air defence capabilities. NATO has not yet decided which country will assume this role after June 1, 2026.

NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) coordinates and supports the training of Ukrainian forces while ensuring military aid reaches its destination safely. Dutch air defence assets allow NSATU to conduct these logistics operations securely.

Previously, the Netherlands safeguarded Polish airspace with F-35 fighter jets, but this detachment has now been withdrawn. Alongside Norwegian forces, the Netherlands monitored NATO airspace from September 1 to December 1, 2025, aiming to deter Russia and protect military equipment bound for Ukraine.

By Jeyhun Aghazada