Germany relocates Ukrainian army equipment hub amid 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 the end of 2022. It will be relocated to Germany, which may extend logistical processes, but as "Bild" reports, political considerations and the approach of the Slovaks 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, information provided by German and Ukrainian media indicates that the reality looks different, and the Slovak authorities repeatedly created difficulties in the work of the repair centre.
An important place from Ukraine's perspective
Since the end of 2022, the equipment repair centre for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has become an important location on the European map. Its proximity to the Ukrainian border avoided unnecessary logistical difficulties. Many 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.
Particularly important for the Ukrainian army are the fastest possible repairs of the PzH-2000, considered one of the best weapons of its type, participating in the fights against Russia. Utilising 155 mm calibre guns with a barrel length of 52 calibres, 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 calibre guns with a firing rate of 550 rounds per minute) are pointed out 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 long negotiations, Germany decided to close the equipment repair centre in Slovakia. A similar facility is planned to be operational in Germany by 31 December.
According to the German newspaper, the reason for such developments is political considerations, including differences in interpreting European customs regulations.
