NATO deploys Patriot missile air defence system to Slovakia 🇸🇰

Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has changed the face of European security and underlined the need for combat-ready forces to be able to deploy at speed across NATO territory. Different NATO Allies are bringing their respective expertise to reinforce the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture. A Dutch-German Air and Missile Defence Task Force deployed Patriot surface-to-air missile systems near Sliač Air Base, Slovakia in April to reinforce defence capabilities on NATO’s eastern flank. The Patriot systems will contribute to the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS), a network of interconnected sensors, command and control assets, and weapons. These ground-based defensive systems will strengthen NATO’s ability to protect NATO territory against any air and missile threat and attack. The system enables NATO to provide continuous vigilance across NATO airspace. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ What is a PATRIOT? The PATRIOT weapons system (Phased-Array Tracking Radar to Intercept On Target) combats enemy air threats varying from aircraft and helicopters to mid-range ballistic missiles such as SCUD missiles. A PATRIOT battery primarily consists of an Engagement Control Station (ECS, fire control centre), a radar and six launching stations. The launching stations are loaded with a combination of PATRIOT missiles, depending on the threat. The PAC-3 missile is the most advanced missile and has ’Hit-to-Kill’ capability. This missile has an extensive range, permitting intercepts of ballistic missiles more effectively and at greater altitudes. The horizontal range can be significantly increased by positioning the launching stations further away from the radar. The PATRIOT radar is a fixed radar that employs an electronically controlled radar beam for the detection, classification and identification of targets as well as for guidance of the system’s own missiles. A PATRIOT battery is capable of tracking a large number of targets simultaneously and carrying out several interceptions at once. More on this: ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ SUBSCRIBE to this channel SUBSCRIBE to NATO News SUBSCRIBE to NATO History Connect with NATO online: Visit the Official NATO Homepage: Receive NATO updates via email: Find NATO on FACEBOOK: Follow @NATO on TWITTER: Follow NATO on Instagram: Find NATO on LinkedIn: Find NATO on Flickr: #NATO #OTAN #Slovakia