Poland will have a European centre to check and repair PAC-3 missiles. These weapons are part of Patriot systems, which protect against attacks from the air. US authorities chose Poland for the project. It is worth about one billion zlotys, or €227 million.
Germany, the Netherlands and Norway also wanted to host the centre. Poland's plan got the highest score in the first part of the process. Polish and US officials then held talks for several months before the final decision.
Poland now needs more talks with Lockheed Martin, the US company that makes defence equipment. Deputy defence minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said the centre needs at least several months before it can start work. It will keep the missiles in good condition and ready for use.
Polish and US officials said the choice shows that NATO countries stand together. The Pentagon said the project is intended to help European allies take greater responsibility for their own defence. Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden will also help bring important parts of the supply chain together. A centre in Poland could make missile care faster and build local skills.
