Slovakia starts deploying Patriot air defense system
(VOVWORLD) - The Patriot air defense system has begun to arrive in Slovakia from NATO partners and deployment will proceed in the coming days, Slovakia's defense minister Jaroslav Nad said Sunday.
 Patriot air defense missile system. (Photo: Reuters) |
The system will be operated by German and Dutch troops and will initially be deployed at the Sliac airport in central Slovakia to reinforce NATO's eastern flank.
The Patriot system will be part of a new NATO battlegroup in Slovakia, which neighbors Ukraine.
The system can be used to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and high-speed ballistic missiles at an altitude of up to 20 km and from a distance of 60 km.