The armaments group Rheinmetall is setting up a maintenance and logistics center in Romania for tanks, howitzers and military vehicles that have been delivered to Ukraine from the West for its defense. The service station in Satu Mare near the Romanian-Ukrainian border is scheduled to start operations in April, a company spokesman said.
During a visit to the Romanian capital Bucharest, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it was important to ensure that equipment used in Ukraine was constantly being repaired and made available. Because of the special nature of this war, there are possibilities for repairs outside of Ukraine, but close to the border – not just in one place. He was happy “that so many European member states are willing to move forward with us,” Scholz said at a press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Also maintenance of British tanks
According to Rheinmetall, the maintenance center will play a central role in maintaining the operational readiness of western combat systems used in Ukraine and ensuring their logistical support. Main battle tanks such as the Leopard 2 and the British Challenger could be serviced, but also self-propelled howitzers, armored personnel carriers, armored personnel carriers or military trucks.
In addition, combat vehicles of the NATO armed forces and their logistical vehicles are to be looked after in Satu Mare in the future. Rheinmetall boss Armin Papperger said: “It is a key concern for us at Rheinmetall to give the NATO forces and Ukraine the best possible support in this critical situation.”
In June 2022, Rheinmetall, together with its partner company KMW, set up a comparable maintenance center in Jonava, Lithuania, near the city of Rukla, in order to be able to provide comprehensive logistical support for combat vehicles of the Lithuanian and other NATO forces stationed in the Baltic States.
