Changing of the guard in Rzeszów-Jasionka. The Bundeswehr completes its “Patriot mission” and returns home

The German armed forces have completed the mission to protect NATO airspace over Poland and the Rzeszów-Jasionka airport using two Patriot system batteries. After handing over the task to the Netherlands, the last Bundeswehr soldiers returned to the country, the German Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday.

The mission of about 200 German air defense soldiers began in January 2025. Initially, it was supposed to last six months, but it was extended, among others. to secure supplies for the Ukrainian armed forces.

In recent months, our soldiers in Poland have experienced a whole spectrum of provocations and hybrid threats. They reacted to them decisively and at the same time prudently, emphasized German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, quoted by the dpa agency.

Pistorius thanked the Bundeswehr soldiers, who – as he noted – provided significant support for NATO's air defense on the eastern flank and represented Germany with dignity.

Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport is the largest logistics hub for aid to Ukraine. Currently, the protection of this facility will be provided by Dutch air defense batteries.

Germany contributes to the protection of Polish airspace. Two German Eurofighter fighters are stationed at the airport near Malbork, where the 22nd Tactical Air Base is located. Their presence is initially planned until March 2026 and is the Bundeswehr's response to the violations of NATO countries' airspace by Russian planes and drones in recent weeks.

From Berlin Iwona Weidmann (PAP)

(we plan to continue the topic)

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