Germany will deploy Patriot air defense systems to Turkey

Turkish authorities on Wednesday said Germany would send a Patriot missile defense system for a six-month deployment starting in June to replace a system deployed as part of NATO measures in southeastern Turkey to strengthen air defenses amid the war in Iran.

In March, Ankara said the US Patriot system was deployed to southeastern Turkey, near a NATO radar base, in the face of missile threats from Iran.

It is known that NATO defenses shot down four ballistic missiles launched from Iran during the war with the United States and Israel that broke out on February 28.

"In addition to the Spanish Patriot air defense system currently deployed in our country, one of the two additional Patriot systems deployed by NATO due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran will be replaced by a German system," the Turkish Ministry of Defense said in a statement. , reported Al Arabiya from Reuters (21/5).

"This replacement is planned to be completed in June, and the system is expected to remain operational for approximately six months," he said, adding that security evaluations will continue to be carried out in coordination with allies.

Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO, has in recent years taken significant steps to reduce its dependence on external suppliers in the defense industry.

However, despite its efforts, Turkey still lacks a comprehensive air defense system and relies on NATO systems deployed in the region for support.