Germany is temporarily deploying a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and about 150 military personnel to Turkey to strengthen NATO's air defense system on the southeastern flank.
This was reported by the German Ministry of Defense, DW reports.
The German defense ministry said the operation was aimed at supporting NATO's air defense system on the alliance's southeastern flank. The decision was made amid the worsening situation in the region related to the conflict over Iran.
According to the German Defense Ministry, the mission will see a German unit replace American forces previously deployed in Turkey. This is seen, in particular, as a contribution to “fair burden sharing” within NATO.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the country is gradually expanding its presence within the Alliance. According to him, Germany is already involved in the defense of NATO's eastern flank and northern regions, and is now joining in strengthening security in the southeast.
In Turkey, the German military will operate in close coordination with Turkish and American forces.
Recall that in Turkey, in the city of Samsun on the morning of May 16, an unknown drone crashed and exploded, breaking windows in several houses. No injuries were initially reported. Law enforcement officers are investigating the circumstances of the incident.