Germany to deploy Patriot battery to Turkey, relieving US forces on NATO’s southeastern flank

Germany will deploy a Patriot air defense battery to Turkey from June 2026 through September 2026, relieving U.S. forces as NATO reinforces its southeastern flank following Iranian missile strikes. The 150-soldier contingent will operate under NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence framework in coordination with Turkish and American forces. This deployment represents Germany's contribution to NATO burden-sharing amid persistent pressure from the alliance regarding European defense commitments.