Germany to Deploy Patriot System in Turkey

Germany will deploy a Patriot missile system to Turkey as part of a rotating NATO air defense mission, the German defense Ministry announced.

Around 150 German soldiers and the Patriot battery will be transferred from northern Germany to Turkey between late June and September.

Officials said the system includes eight launchers, a radar unit, and a fire-control center, and will replace a current US-operated Patriot deployment in Turkey.

NATO forces have reportedly intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles over Turkish territory at least three times since the start of the regional conflict.

German defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin is taking on greater responsibility within NATO, highlighting close cooperation with Turkish and US forces.

Germany previously deployed Patriot systems to Turkey between 2013 and 2015 during the Syrian war to help strengthen Turkish air defenses.