US sounds out Poland on Patriot deployment to Middle East

The United States has informally approached Poland about the possibility of deploying one of its Patriot air defence batteries to the Middle East, as well as transferring interceptor missiles already in Polish possession, according to a report by Rzeczpospolita.

The discussions come amid growing pressure on US and allied air defence systems following the escalation of the conflict involving Iran. After the US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets, Patriot systems—particularly their interceptor missiles—have been used extensively across the region.

Poland currently operates two Patriot batteries, which together include 16 launchers and reached full operational readiness at the end of 2025. These systems are capable of intercepting missiles and aircraft at ranges of up to 100 kilometres. Under a 2019 contract, Poland ordered around 200 PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles, most of which have already been delivered.

Further expansion of Poland’s air defence capabilities is planned, with deliveries of six additional Patriot batteries and approximately 600 PAC-3 missiles scheduled to begin in 2027, although these shipments have not yet started.

According to estimates by the British think tank RUSI, roughly 1,500 PAC-3 missiles were used by the United States and Gulf countries in the first 16 days of the conflict. Analysts note that part of this high consumption rate stems from the use of advanced interceptors against relatively inexpensive Iranian Shahed drones, which could otherwise be countered with simpler and cheaper systems.

As a result of these pressures, Gulf countries have reportedly sought assistance from the Ukrainian military, which has accumulated significant experience in air defence operations. Despite this, regional air defenses remain strained. Iranian retaliatory strikes have caused notable losses to US and allied forces, including the destruction of an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft and, earlier, aerial refueling tankers.

In this context, US officials have raised the possibility—during informal consultations with Polish counterparts—of relocating one of Poland’s Patriot batteries to the Middle East. The talks also included the potential transfer of PAC-3 MSE missiles already delivered to and owned by the Polish Armed Forces.

The proposal remains unofficial, with no formal request submitted by Washington. Polish authorities have not yet indicated a final position. Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously stated that Poland would not deploy troops to Iran, though it remains unclear whether that stance extends to military equipment.

Rzeczpospolita reports that the US has so far only explored the idea with Polish military officials. Polish Defense Ministry spokesperson Janusz Sejmej stressed that the United States “is in no way exerting pressure” regarding the matter.

By Tamilla Hasanova