Stars and Stripes
The Netherlands this week took command of a NATO air defense mission in eastern Poland, where allies coordinate logistical support for Ukraine.
About 300 Dutch troops, equipped with Patriots and other air defense systems, began their mission on Monday, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement the same day.
“We protect supply lines to Ukraine, defend NATO’s eastern flank and develop our capabilities. This strengthens the security of Poland, Ukraine, NATO and Netherlands,” Brekelmans said.
The Dutch replaced German forces, who had previously been carrying out the air defense mission in Jasionka, Poland.
The air defense mission in eastern Poland was formerly a U.S.-led effort, with American Patriot teams deployed to the area soon after Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
