The move comes as NATO continues to bolster air defenses in Eastern and Central Europe in response to persistent Russian threats which have intensified following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The announcement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during his visit to Poland on Monday.

The air defense systems will be stationed around the Rzeszów-Jasionka airport, in southeastern Poland, for a period of six months.

Located less than 100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, the airport has become a critical logistical hub, handling the bulk of Western military aid to Ukraine.

The air base has also become a key waypoint for foreign leaders traveling to Kyiv.

Speaking at a defense ministry facility near Warsaw following a meeting with counterparts from Poland, the U.K., Italy and France, Pistorius said: “We know about the importance of Rzeszów as a major logistics node for support for Ukraine.

“You will understand that I do not already have my agenda in mind for the next two weeks, as we have an election campaign in Germany…but what I do know [is] I will travel to Rzeszów myself in January, and you can certainly assume that our Patriot systems will begin operating in Rzeszów this month.”

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz added: “Since January of this year, NATO has taken a greater role in coordinating the security of the Jasionka airport in Rzeszów, forming its mission.

“Jasionka is a key port for supporting Ukraine, both in humanitarian and other aspects. More than 90% of the aid goes through Poland, so this allied support is all the more needed.”

Germany previously deployed 300 troops, along with three Patriot units , to Poland from January to November 2023.

They were stationed in Zamość, about 50 km from the Ukrainian border, to protect the southern Polish town and its vital railway link to Ukraine.

Since December, the Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport has also been protected by a NASAMS air defense system, operated by Norwegian soldiers.