Poland to Host New European Patriot Missile Maintenance Centre
The United States has selected Poland as the location for a new European maintenance facility for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile systems, aiming to strengthen NATO’s air and missile defence capabilities and improve military preparedness along its eastern flank.
The Pentagon announced the decision on Tuesday during a meeting of NATO’s Conference of National Armaments Directors. The initiative involves coordination between the US government, defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin and European allies.
According to the Pentagon, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden will lead efforts to integrate essential supply chains for the new facility. The centre will provide regional maintenance, repair and overhaul services for PAC-3 missiles, helping European NATO members improve the availability and operational readiness of their defence systems.
Michael Duffey, the US under secretary of defence for acquisition and sustainment, said the initiative demonstrated the alliance’s commitment to collective security. He highlighted that European allies were investing national resources to strengthen NATO’s eastern defences and reinforce deterrence.
The Pentagon added that the project supports defence-industrial commitments agreed upon at the NATO summit in Ankara in July under the framework known as “NATO 3.0.” The broader strategy seeks to increase European allies’ responsibility for their conventional defence while preserving close security cooperation with the United States.
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