US, Germany to pull Patriot missiles from Turkey

The United States announced on Aug. 16 that it had informed the Turkish government that the U.S. deployment of Patriot air and missile defense units in Turkey, which expires in October, will not be renewed. The announcement came one day after Germany also said it would pull its Patriot missile batteries from southern Turkey.

"The Patriots will be redeployed to the United States for critical modernization upgrades that will ensure the U.S. missile defense force remains capable of countering evolving global threats and protecting Allies and partners - including Turkey," read a joint statement issued by the Turkish and U.S. governments.

"The United States and NATO are committed to supporting Turkey's security and regional stability," it added. "As the United States deploys additional air assets and partners with Turkey to counter [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] ISIL, the United States will also continue to work closely with Turkey on how to support Turkey's air defense capabilities, including against ballistic missile risks and threats."

The statement added that the U.S was ready to return Patriot assets within one week, if required.

"The United States will maintain in-theater capability to rapidly transport and support emergent Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) requirements, and is prepared to sustain the current deployment site in a cold-basing status to facilitate future deployments of U.S. Patriots. If needed, the United States is prepared to return Patriot assets and personnel to Turkey within one week." it read.

The statement noted that the U.S. Navy's Aegis ships will remain in the eastern Mediterranean.

"These ships offer a range of capabilities to support the defense of Turkey and NATO missions,...