US authorities have selected Poland to host a European maintenance center for PAC-3 missiles, which are used in Patriot air defense systems. The project is worth an estimated one billion zlotys, or 227 million euros. The center will service the missiles to keep them in good condition and ready for use.
Poland competed against Germany, the Netherlands and Norway to secure the project. According to Poland's deputy defense minister, the Polish proposal received the highest score during the application stage. However, the final decision followed several months of discussions with the United States.
Further negotiations are now needed with Lockheed Martin, the American defense and aerospace manufacturer. The deputy minister said it would take at least several months before the facility could operate. Servicing missiles within Poland could shorten maintenance times and develop the country's defense skills.
Polish and US officials described the decision as a sign of NATO unity. The Pentagon said the project aims to strengthen the region's ability to withstand threats and help European allies take greater responsibility for their own defense. Polish officials also emphasized the project's importance for industry and security.
