Netherlands to station Patriot missiles in Slovakia

The Netherlands wants to station Patriot missiles in Slovakia at the request of NATO, reported dpa.

This will be done jointly with Germany, Defence Minister Kasja Ollongren announced in The Hague on Tuesday, according to Dutch media reports.

"We have now taken a decision in principle to provide air defence together with the Germans in Slovakia," the minister told the daily De Telegraaf.

Currently, logistical preparations are being made for the deployment of air defence missiles under German leadership. According to the minister, the missiles will then be deployed as soon as possible. According to reports, 150 Dutch soldiers will be involved in the operation.

In view of the Russian threat, the Patriot missiles are intended to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. The Patriots can take out planes, helicopters and missiles even at high altitudes.