According to information published by the Polish Defense magazine Defence24, on June 5, 2024, Poland delivered an S-200 surface-to-air missile to Ukraine, a NATO code-named SA-5 Gammon. Poland received S-200 systems from the Soviet Union during the Cold War to bolster its air defense capabilities as part of the Warsaw Pact.
The S-200, also known as the SA-5 Gammon, is a long-range, high-altitude surface-to-air missile system developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, designed to intercept and destroy high-speed aerial targets such as bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.(Picture source: Social Network)
The S-200 air defense missile systems were part of the Polish Air Defense Forces and were stationed strategically to protect critical infrastructure and key cities from potential aerial threats. According to the military balance 2023, the Polish armed forces were always equipped with one battery of S-200 Vega.
Over the years, Poland undertook various modernization programs to keep the S-200 systems operational and improve their capabilities. This included upgrades to radar systems and missile guidance.
As of recent reports, the S-200 system has been retired from active service in Poland. The country now relies on modern air defense systems, such as the Patriot missile system, which offers enhanced capabilities and interoperability with NATO forces.