Germany has decided to move the centre for the repair of large military equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Slovakia to its own territory. This was reported by German media outlet ntv, citing a statement by a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defence. The transfer is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2024.
Reasons for the transfer
The Slovakian repair centre, which has been operating since late 2022, has been ineffective due to organisational difficulties. German officials noted that Slovakia demonstrated “cumbersomeness” in managing the facility, among other things:
- differences in the interpretation of European customs rules;
- delays in overhauling damaged equipment.
These factors affected the efficiency of servicing equipment critical to Ukraine.
The work of the centre in Slovakia
The repair centre in Slovakia serviced such important pieces of military equipment as:
- Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers;
- Dingo armoured vehicles;
- MARS II multiple launch rocket systems;
- Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
Germany’s future plans
Berlin stressed that the repair of military equipment remains a priority for Ukraine. Despite the relocation of the centre, other German repair facilities in Lithuania and Ukraine continue to operate and provide support to the Ukrainian army.
This decision underscores Germany’s desire to strengthen control over the repair process and increase its efficiency in light of the growing needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to maintain the equipment provided.
