{{The Dutch military is shipping its Patriot missiles to fellow NATO member Turkey to boost its air defenses amid the escalating war in neighboring Syria.}}
The two Dutch batteries are part of a NATO contingent of Patriot missiles that intercept incoming ballistic missiles.
Two U.S. and two German batteries are also being deployed to other parts of southern Turkey.
Dutch defense chief Gen. Tom Middendorp said Monday the missiles will remain in Turkey for a year.
The Patriots are being transported by sea to Turkey. They are scheduled to become operational by the end of this month.
The Stuttgart, Germany-based U.S. European Command said in a statement that U.S. personnel and equipment had started arriving at Turkey’s southern Incirlik Air Base.
Some 400 personnel and equipment from the U.S. military’s Fort Sill, Oklahoma-based 3rd Battalion were to be airlifted to Turkey over the coming days, while additional equipment was expected to reach Turkey by sea later in January, the Command said.
NATO endorsed Turkey’s request for the Patriots on Nov. 30 after several Syrian shells landed on Turkish territory.
Agencies
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