After lengthy negotiations, Berlin plans to move its center for repairing Ukrainian heavy military equipment from Slovakia to Germany, DPA reported.
The move is planned to take place by the end of the year, a Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed to DPA.
He highlighted the changing conditions, as well as some extremely complex maintenance measures that must be implemented to keep the damaged vehicles functioning properly.
The center in Slovakia opened at the end of 2022. for maintenance and repair of Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers, Dingo armored vehicles, MARS artillery missile systems, and Gepard anti-aircraft guns.
Similar facilities are also available in Lithuania and Ukraine.
"Support for Ukrainian weapons systems is guaranteed (despite the changes)", the spokesman said.
Slovakia - a NATO member state bordering Ukraine - has repeatedly caused difficulties in the work processes of the repair and maintenance center, for example due to disputes over the implementation of European customs regulations.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has repeatedly drawn attention to himself for criticizing EU and NATO support for Ukraine. Fico plans to travel to Moscow next year.