Germany to Deploy Patriot System to Southeast Turkey for Six Months

Turkey said on Wednesday that Germany will send a Patriot missile defense system for a six-month deployment beginning in June. The system will replace one of two additional Patriot units deployed by NATO in southeast Turkey to strengthen air defenses during the war in Iran.

U.S. Patriot system was placed near a NATO radar base in southeast Turkey in response to missile threats from Iran. NATO defenses shot down four ballistic missiles launched from Iran during the war. , Israel, and Iran will be replaced by a German system," the Turkish Defence Ministry said in a statement.

"This replacement is planned to be completed in June, and the system is expected to remain operational for approximately six months," the ministry added. Turkey has NATO's second-largest army and has worked to reduce reliance on external defense suppliers, though it still depends on NATO systems for comprehensive air defense coverage.