"First element of our multi-level, interoperational air and missile defence system". Poland tests first Patriot battery

"In 2018, minister Mariusz Błaszczak signed a contract with the United States on manufacturing of the first part of the Patriot system for Poland, that is the first element of our multi-level, interoperational air and missile defence system, the Wisła system, which will be integrated with Pilica and Narew systems," Polish President Andrzej Duda said in Toruń on Friday.

Duda added Poland had to upgrade its air defences in view of the threats connected with Russia's invasion into Ukraine.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said that "Polish Patriots are being integrated already". "We swing into action which will result a multi-level air defence system," he added.

Błaszczak said that once the various elements of the overall defence system have been connected, including integrating the F-35 fighter jets, Poland would gain "unique security conditions in Europe".

The Patriot installation, which is the main element of Poland's Wisla air defence system, was purchased by Poland in 2018.

Patriot missile defense interceptors are designed to detect, track and engage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles and short-range or tactical ballistic missiles.

Mariusz Błaszczak participated in the meeting of B9 defense ministers, which was attended also by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The event was devoted to the security situation on NATO's eastern flank, aiding Ukraine and the armed forces’ modernization.

"It is about the Command of the 5th Corps of the US Army. The American troops on the entire NATO’s eastern flank are commanded from Poland, Poznań to be precise, and beyond any doubt, this is our common success. I invited Secretary Austin to pay a visit to Poland, so we are looking forward to a convenient date to further discuss security issues concerning the entire eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance," Błaszczak said

"I would like to add that the position of Poland in the North Atlantic Alliance is continuously increasing, it is stronger, as proved by the fact, which perhaps did not sound as it should have, that it is the Polish general who was the representative to NATO and the European Union, General Adamczak, took over the position of Director-General of NATO military headquarters. With me here today is General Sławomir Wojciechowski, who already performs his duties as Poland's representative to NATO and the EU. These instances signal the growing importance of Poland in NATO, both on its eastern flank and the entire Alliance," Polish defence minister stressed.

"We are in eight countries that exceed the scale of expenditure by over 2% of GDP, and this obviously is a consequence of our efforts to strengthen the Polish Armed Forces. We care about the security of our country and whole region, and we are solidary with our allies. Polish contribution to the security of the entire NATO’s eastern flank is highly appreciated," Błaszczak added.