Germany relocates Ukrainian equipment repair hub amid tensions
The German authorities have decided to close the equipment repair center for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which has been operating in Slovakia since the end of 2022. The center will be relocated to Germany, which may extend logistical processes. However, Bild reports that political considerations and the Slovaks' stance leave no other choice.
In the early months of the war in Ukraine, the defending army could count on significant help from Slovakia. The situation changed in September 2023 when the Smer-SD party won the parliamentary elections.
Robert Fico, who led the new Slovak government, fulfilled pre-election promises and quickly declared that the approach to the war in Ukraine would noticeably change. Free assistance to Kyiv was limited, but trade contracts and other forms of support were to remain in place. However, German and Ukrainian media information indicates that the reality differs, and the Slovak authorities repeatedly "created difficulties in the work of the repair center."
An important place from Ukraine's perspective
The equipment repair center for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, existing since the end of 2022, has become an important place on the map of Europe. Its proximity to the Ukrainian border avoided unnecessary logistical challenges. Many valuable German equipment was sent there for repairs, including Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) howitzers, Dingo armored vehicles, MARS II rocket artillery systems, and parts for Gepard anti-aircraft guns.
Particularly important for the Ukrainian army is the fastest possible repair of the PzH-2000, considered one of the best of its kind in the fight against Russia. Utilizing 155 mm caliber guns with a barrel length of 52 calibers, the German howitzers allow for firing up to 10 rounds per minute and executing a five-shot salvo in a destructive MRSI mode.
Gepard anti-aircraft systems (using two 35 mm caliber guns with a firing rate of 550 rounds/min) are highlighted by Ukrainian soldiers as the best weapon against Russian drones.
Germany moves the repair center to its own territory
As reported by Bild, a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense said that after lengthy negotiations, Germany decided to close the equipment repair center in Slovakia. The plans aim for a similar facility to be operational in Germany by December 31.
According to the German newspaper, these developments are due to political considerations, including differences in the interpretation of European customs regulations.
