The missile impact on Polish soil near the Ukrainian border is a warning. Defense Minister Lambrecht sees a need to improve air defense in the NATO alliance. She makes an offer to neighboring Poland.
After the missile impact in south-eastern Poland in connection with the Russian war in Ukraine, the federal government is now also offering the country the Patriot missile defense system to secure the airspace. “We have offered Poland support in securing the airspace – with our Eurofighters and with Patriot air defense systems,” said Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht of the “Rheinische Post” and the “General-anzeiger”.
“It is our primary responsibility that NATO does not become a war party,” the SPD politician continued, according to the newspapers. “We have to keep a cool head at all times.” As a consequence of the incident in Poland last week, the alliance’s air defense must be improved. “This is particularly true with regard to NATO partners such as Poland, Slovakia and the Baltic States, which border directly on Russia and Ukraine,” said Lambrecht.
Germany is already supporting Slovakia with the Eurofighters and Patriot air defense systems. “We want to extend our presence there until the end of 2023, possibly even beyond that,” explained Lambrecht.
The rocket hit Przewodow near the Ukrainian border on Tuesday, killing two people. According to NATO and Poland, the impact was likely caused by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile fired to repel Russian missile attacks. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.