Netherlands to deploy Patriots in Poland to guard NATO hub for Ukraine supplies

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced the move on social media.

Starting December 1, 300 Dutch troops will serve in Poland for six months. Patriot systems will provide protection against ballistic missiles, NASAMS will counter shorter-range missiles, and other systems will intercept drones.

Earlier, the Netherlands announced plans to deploy F-35 fighter jets to Poland this fall.

The country has also played a key role in supplying F-16s to Ukraine, becoming the first nation to send them. The decision was first made public in October 2023. 

In May 2025, the Netherlands delivered the final batch of F-16s to Ukraine.