NATO Patriot missiles to be operational in Turkey over weekend

January 24, 2013 01:03

NATO Patriot missiles deployed in Turkey to protect against a spillover of the conflict in neighbouring Syria will be operational this weekend, a senior NATO officer said.

"We expect to have an initial operating capability this weekend, that's what we're aiming at. This is when we will have the capability to defend some aspects of the population," said British Brigadier General Gary Deakin.

The first two Patriot missile batteries to operate have been supplied by the Netherlands and will deploy in the southern city of Adana while two German Patriot missile batteries will be positioned in the southeastern province of Kahramanmaras.

A further two US batteries will stationed in Gaziantep, just 50 kilometres north of the border.

Each contributing nation has also sent up to 350 troops.

"The full capability, we expect to deliver at the end of the month," the NATO officer said.

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