US authorities have selected Poland to host a European maintenance centre for PAC-3 missiles, which are used in Patriot air defence systems. The project is valued at around one billion zlotys (€227 million). Germany, the Netherlands and Norway also competed to host it.
Deputy defence minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said Poland's application received the highest score during the initial assessment. However, the final decision came after months of discussions with US officials. Polish and American officials described the choice as a sign of NATO unity and Poland's importance as a US partner.
Further negotiations with the American defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin must now take place. Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said it would take at least several months before the centre could operate. Its work will involve checking and servicing missiles to keep them in good condition and ready for use.
According to the Pentagon, the project is intended to strengthen the region's ability to withstand threats and help European allies take greater responsibility for their defence. Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden will also help connect important parts of the supply chain. Servicing missiles within Poland could reduce maintenance times, improve readiness and develop local defence skills.
