For the past nine months, the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-7 ADA) has provided Patriot missile defense in Poland, supporting ongoing missions in Europe to assure NATO allies and deter Russian aggression. On Jan. 31, 2025, German Patriot missile launchers will replace those from 5-7 ADA, allowing the battalion to return to Baumholder, Germany, where they will train, equip, and modernize in preparation for future missions. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Alec Watkins) VIEW ORIGINAL
Redstone Arsenal, Ala. – The Republic of Poland has officially declared Full Operational Capability of its Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System–enabled PATRIOT air and missile defense system, marking a historic milestone for Poland, the United States, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
This achievement represents the successful completion of Poland-defined operational milestones and reflects years of close cooperation between the Polish Armed Forces, the U.S. Army, and industry partners. With FOC declared, Poland now possesses a modern, networked, and resilient air and missile defense capability significantly enhancing national and allied defense.
“Good news for Poland’s security. The 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron has achieved full operational capability,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. “This is the moment when the Wisła system, the U.S.-made Patriot launchers, will serve integrated air and missile defense. It is also a great day for the soldiers from Sochaczew. Equipment alone does not fight — the most important are the soldiers and their skills. Thank you for your service, because thanks to it we are gaining a capability that we did not have before.”
As the first international partner to field an IBCS-enabled PATRIOT system at Full Operational Capability, Poland is setting a new benchmark for coalition interoperability. The system’s open, modular architecture allows Poland to integrate current and future sensors and interceptors, strengthening deterrence and providing flexibility against evolving air and missile threats.
“Poland’s success is NATO’s success,” said Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, Portfolio Acquisition Executive FIRES. “This effort goes far beyond a technical milestone—it is a signal of deterrence, interoperability, and cohesion. Poland stands at the leading edge of coalition integrated air and missile defense, and Phase II integration will build directly on that foundation. Together, we are demonstrating the true power of a modular, open-systems approach and coalition innovation.”
This milestone sends a clear signal of alliance unity and readiness in the face of an increasingly complex and contested security environment, reinforcing NATO’s credibility and deterrence posture across Europe. Poland’s IBCS-enabled PATRIOT system now stands as a cornerstone of regional defense and a powerful example of allied modernization and operational integration.
Social Sharing