Patriot troops ‘lack training’

Published on 20/12/2012 00:00

Some Dutch troops due to man Patriot missile batteries on Turkey’s border with Syria are inadequately trained due to spending cuts, a union official has said.

Turkey asked Nato for Patriots to intercept aircraft or missiles, in November after fighting in Syria spilled into its territory. Next month up to 360 Dutch troops will be posted on the border. The US, Germany and the Netherlands are the only three Nato members with advanced Patriot missile technology.

“About 20 per cent of those going have no experience with these systems,” said Wim van den Burg, chairman of AFPM, the largest military trade union.