Poland Declares First Patriot Air Defense Unit Fully Operational

Poland has declared a major milestone in its national air and missile defense modernisation after the 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron reached Full Operational Capability (FOC) under the country’s flagship Wisła air and missile defense program, the Ministry of National Defense announced.

The squadron, part of the 3rd Warsaw Air Defense Missile Brigade, becomes the first unit to complete the initial phase of Wisła, marking a significant step toward building a fully integrated, layered air defense network for the country.

According to the defense ministry, the declaration of full operational capability followed comprehensive evaluations conducted in December, which focused on combat readiness, command-and-control procedures and the squadron’s ability to conduct real-world missions. During the assessments, key combat systems related to command, control and engagement were tested.

Patriot Systems Enter Active Service

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the development as a major boost to Poland’s security, confirming that U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems are now fully operational within the Wisła framework.

“This is a good day for Poland’s security,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “The 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron has achieved full operational capability. This is the moment when the Wisła system — the Patriot launchers — begins real service in integrated air and missile defense.”

He emphasized that while advanced equipment is critical, operational effectiveness ultimately depends on trained personnel. “Equipment alone does not fight. The most important element is the soldier and their skills,” he said, thanking troops stationed in Sochaczew, where the squadron is based.

IBCS Integration and Future Phases

The defense minister highlighted that Wisła is designed as a networked system rather than a standalone capability, with command and control provided by the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).

“Further phases of the Wisła program are ahead of us,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “IBCS is the brain that connects sensors and effectors — from radars that collect data, through decision-making, to selecting which launchers should engage, whether Patriot systems or other platforms, including those linked to the F-35 program.”

In a later statement, he described the achievement as a historic moment for Poland’s air defense architecture.

“This is the implementation of the Wisła program — integrated air defense of the Polish state: missile defense, air defense and counter-drone defense,” he said.

Foundation of Poland’s Layered Air Defense

Wisła is Poland’s primary effort to establish a layered air and missile defense system capable of countering aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial threats. Its first phase centers on Patriot interceptors integrated with IBCS to enable sensor-to-shooter connectivity across multiple platforms.

The 37th squadron is among the first Polish units certified to conduct operational missions under this framework, moving beyond training or limited readiness status.

Polish officials have repeatedly stressed that Wisła will continue to expand in future phases, with additional sensors, interceptors and integration with other systems — including fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets — to create a unified national air defense picture.

Regional Security Context

The announcement comes as Poland accelerates military modernisation in response to heightened security concerns in Eastern Europe, driven by Russia’s war against Ukraine and the growing threat posed by missiles and drones across the region.

Warsaw has positioned Wisła as a cornerstone of its broader defense strategy, strengthening deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank.