Poland says it will host Patriot missile maintenance centre

Poland said Tuesday it will host a maintenance centre for the US-made Patriot air-defence system, a move the government described as a major step forward in defence cooperation with Washington.

“Historic decision!” Poland’s deputy defence minister, Magdalena Sobkowiak, said on X as she announced the centre, adding that it was the result of “many months of negotiations”.

Sobkowiak said Poland had beaten bids from Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, with “the Polish offer rated the highest”.

Speaking to state broadcaster TVP Info, she said the agreement marked a shift in Washington’s approach to sharing technology and specialist capabilities.

Poland, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, serves as a major logistics hub for military aid sent by Kyiv’s allies as Ukraine fights off Russia’s invasion.

Patriot interceptor missiles are regarded as among Ukraine’s most important air-defence assets as it seeks to repel escalating Russian missile and drone attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that several European countries were ready to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from their own stockpiles but were awaiting US approval.

Sobkowiak said the maintenance-centre contract was worth $255 million and that establishing the facility would take several months.

She said she hoped the project could eventually help Poland develop the capacity to produce Patriot missiles domestically.

Patriot systems have also been heavily relied upon by US allies in the Middle East in defending against missile attacks linked to regional conflicts involving Iran.