UPDATED: UK to deploy Sky Sabre missile defence system in Poland, says minister

WARSAW, March 17 (Reuters) – Britain will deploy its Sky Sabre missile system in Poland, its defence minister said on Thursday during a visit to Warsaw, as NATO moves to beef up the security of its eastern flank in view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We are going to deploy the Sky Sabre medium-range, anti-air missile system to Poland with about 100 personnel to make sure that we stand alongside Poland, protecting her airspace from any further aggression by Russia,” Ben Wallace told a news conference.

The deployment will help shore up NATO’s eastern flank bordering Russia in a defensive measure as Moscow entered its fourth week of the invasion into Ukraine.

The air defence system has a greater range than its predecessor and can take out fighter jets or target incoming smart bombs.

It supersedes the ageing Rapier Short Range Air Defence system used by the British Army.

The 100 troops will be deployed on a short-term basis and will be kept under review, Downing Street said.

It added that the missile system “will remain under UK control at all times”.

Photo: Polish Ministry of Defence