The Regional Competence Centre for Abrams tanks has been officially opened at the Military Automotive Works (WZM) in Poznań. This enables the Poznan facility to become a key location for the maintenance of this military equipment throughout the European region.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of State Assets Marcin Kulasek, Wielkopolska Voivode Agata Sobczyk, US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski, and Poznań Mayor Jacek Jaskowiak, who recalled the upcoming anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

“The first countries to help Ukraine were the United States and Poland. At the time, we donated 370 of our tanks so that the Ukrainian army could defend themselves, and we also received assurances that we could purchase the most modern equipment from the USA. Poznań has a rich tradition of servicing and producing armaments. We are a reliable partner. It is no coincidence that the US Army is stationed here and the 31st Tactical Air Base is located in Krzesiny. The Competence Centre is another important step in the development of our city”, said the Mayor of Poznań.

Belonging to the Polish Armament Group S.A. Military Automotive Works (Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne), plays a key role in providing maintenance for the heavy vehicles and tanks that are part of the equipment of the Polish Armed Forces. 

“The creation of the Centre is not only related to the maintenance of Abrams tanks purchased for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces but is also intended to cover US troops deployed in Poland and other European countries operating on this equipment”, noted Deputy Minister Marcin Kulasek.  

The centre will be able to operate at its full capacity after the Ministry of Defence has provided it with full technical documentation, trained its staff, and concluded appropriate agreements. A key one is the strategic partnership with Abrams tank manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems. WZM has already started the process of concluding a licence agreement with it. 

Arkadiusz Słomczyński