- WIADOMOŚCI
Poland and Germany are fighting over Patriot production. Minister reveals
PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems for Europe will most likely be manufactured or serviced in Poland or Germany. A final decision is expected to be made in mid-September.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka in a morning interview with RMF FM radio provided new information regarding the potential production of missiles for Patriot systems in Poland.
Will Poland transfer more Patriots to Ukraine?
The conversation regarding Patriots began with the issue of the potential transfer of further missiles from Poland to Ukraine. As a reminder, in July, the Polish government announced the transfer of five PAC-3 MSE missiles for the American system to Ukraine.
When asked whether Poland might decide to hand over such missiles again, the Minister replied: “Every time, such a decision must be made in the context of the security of Poland and Poles,” admitting that the Minister of National Defence does not rule out the transfer of further missiles to Ukraine, and the whole matter should be clarified within the coming days.
The Deputy Head of the MoD recalled that the matter also involves consent from the USA and NATO, as well as appropriate guarantees from allies. “With the previous donation, we had such a guarantee,” said Minister Sobkowiak-Czarnecka. At this moment – as follows from the interview with RMF FM – no such guarantee exists.
Patriots in Poland?
The interview also touched upon the issue of the potential production of missiles for Patriot systems in Europe. Poland is striving to ensure that the production or servicing of PAC-3 MSE missiles is possible on the Vistula. Minister Sobkowiak-Czarnecka reported that such a proposal from the Polish government was made two weeks ago during a visit to Washington.
“If it is not possible to secure production, the key is to create a service centre within the EU” – according to the words of the Deputy Minister of Defence. The final decision by the Americans (at both government and industrial levels) is to be made by mid-September this year. Washington’s choice will be between Poland and Germany.
“Our goal is to become a hub for American companies in Europe – we are ceasing to be solely a customer and becoming a partner” – the Minister said, recalling the recent agreement between PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa – Polish Armaments Group) and Anduril, or the recently signed contract for the construction of a service centre for Apache helicopters in Łódź.
