Germany relocates Ukrainian repair hub amid Slovak tensions
The German authorities have decided to close the equipment repair centre for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which has been operating in Slovakia since late 2022. The centre will be relocated to Germany, potentially extending logistical processes. However, as Bild reported, political considerations and the Slovak approach leave no other choice.
In the early months of the war in Ukraine, the defending army could rely on significant aid from Slovakia. The situation changed in September 2023 when the Smer SD party won the parliamentary elections.
Robert Fico, who leads the new Slovak government, fulfilled pre-election promises by quickly declaring that the approach to the war in Ukraine would change noticeably. Free assistance to Kyiv was limited, although trade contracts and other forms of support were to remain. However, information provided by German and Ukrainian media suggests that the reality is different, and the Slovak authorities repeatedly "created difficulties in the work of the repair centre."
An important place from Ukraine's perspective
Established in late 2022, the equipment repair centre for the Armed Forces of Ukraine became an important facility in Europe. Its proximity to the Ukrainian border avoided unnecessary logistical hurdles. Valuable German equipment, including Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) howitzers, Dingo armoured vehicles, MARS II rocket artillery systems, and parts for Gepard anti-aircraft guns, were repaired.
The Ukrainian army's priority is to quickly repair the PzH-2000, considered one of the best weapons of its type in the conflict against Russia. Using 155-mm calibre guns with a barrel length of 52 calibres, the German howitzers can fire up to 10 rounds per minute and execute a five-shot salvo in a destructive MRSI mode.
Gepard anti-aircraft systems (using two 35 mm calibre guns with a firing rate of 550 rounds per minute) are highlighted by Ukrainian soldiers as the best weapon against Russian drones.
Germany moves the repair centre to its own territory
As reported by Bild, a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defence said that after prolonged negotiations, Germany decided to close the equipment repair centre in Slovakia. A similar facility is planned to be operational in Germany by December 31.
According to the German newspaper, these developments are political considerations, including differences in interpreting European customs regulations.
