Poland Conducts First Combat Firing with Patriot System

Poland conducted its first combat live-fire test with the Patriot air defense system at the Central Air Force Training Area in Ustka on September 16 as part of the Iron Defender-25 exercise.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz witnessed the firing, which was aided by the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). "For the first time in Polish history, Patriot systems will be used on Polish territory. We are constructing a multi-layered air defense system," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.

The live-fire exercise also featured Homar-A and Homar-K rocket launchers, K9 and Krab artillery systems, while other allied and Polish weapons were stationed at training facilities throughout the nation. Officials stated the test was a progress toward complete certification of air defense forces.

The Iron Defender-25 exercise, Poland's biggest this year's military training, sees some 30,000 soldiers from Poland, the United States, Sweden, Norway, and other NATO member states.