Sweden is deploying a Patriot air defence system in the city of Rzeszów, a logistics hub in south-eastern Poland that plays a key role in providing military and civilian support to Ukraine. This is stated in a press release by the Swedish Armed Forces.
In addition to protecting the logistics hub in Poland, which ensures the delivery of assistance to Ukraine from the North Atlantic Alliance, the Swedish contingent will also join NATO’s integrated air and missile defence system and will operate under Alliance command.
This will be Sweden’s first deployment of the Patriot surface-to-air missile system as part of a NATO mission, the press release said. It will be operated by a detachment from the Air Defence Regiment (Lv 6), supported by the Blekinge Air Wing (F 17).
“As allies, we share responsibility for protecting and defending NATO territory. At the same time, support for Ukraine remains a priority for Sweden. By deploying the advanced capabilities of the Air Defence Regiment and the Blekinge Air Wing, Sweden will strengthen NATO’s eastern flank in Poland while also helping to protect the vital efforts to support Ukraine,” said Sweden’s Army Commander Johan Pekkari.
The Air Defence Regiment will carry out this mission from the beginning of December until the end of 2026 and plans to continue it in the first half of 2027.
In addition, from October 2026 Sweden will deploy Gripen fighter jets to patrol Polish airspace as part of a NATO mission.
Luftvärnsregementet (Lv 6) is Sweden’s only air defence regiment. It is based in Halmstad. The unit’s equipment includes the Patriot system, and it is responsible for training personnel and developing Sweden’s air defence capabilities.
Blekinge flygflottilj (F 17) is a Swedish Air Force wing based in Ronneby. It operates two combat-ready squadrons of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets