Pistorius puts pressure on the tank repair center

The establishment of a tank repair center in Poland is progressing slowly, and Defense Minister Pistorius is demanding a swift resolution. Poland wants German Patriot air defense systems to remain in the country until the end of the year.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has urged for rapid progress in the establishment and operation of a repair center for Leopard 2 battle tanks in Poland. The discussions on this matter should be concluded within the next ten days, Pistorius stated in the city of Zamosc after a meeting with his Polish counterpart, Mariusz Blaszczak. “It must be clear: repair is an integral part of sustainable support for Ukraine.”

Pistorius and Blaszczak had already agreed on the establishment of the repair center in April. The center is intended to repair Leopard battle tanks from Germany and Poland that are being used by Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The facility was supposed to commence operations in May, located in Gliwice, Upper Silesia, and set up by the defense contractor Bumar-Labedy. However, progress has been slow.

According to a report by “Der Spiegel,” the German side considers the Polish price expectations for repair work to be overpriced. Pistorius referred to “intensive and complex negotiations.” He and Blaszczak agreed that solutions needed to be found now.

Hope for extended Patriot deployment

Meanwhile, Poland’s Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak hopes that the deployment of German Patriot air defense systems in his country will be extended. “We are interested in having the Patriot systems remain on Polish territory until at least the end of the year,” Blaszczak said.

Blaszczak pointed out that with the relocation of Russian nuclear weapons and Wagner mercenary fighters to neighboring Belarus, the threat to Poland has increased. Initially, the German Patriots were supposed to stay in Zamosc only until the end of June. After the meeting, Pistorius intended to visit the firing positions of the Patriot air defense systems. The German Bundeswehr has had a presence there since January, with 320 personnel.

Zamosc is located near Poland’s border with Ukraine, which has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for 16 months. The Patriot systems are intended to protect Poland’s airspace. The stationing of these systems has caused political controversy between Berlin and Warsaw. Former German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) had agreed with Blaszczak to relocate German Patriots to Poland. However, Blaszczak suddenly suggested that Germany should station the Patriots in Ukraine instead, which caused considerable irritation in Berlin. Eventually, an agreement was reached after all.